Gukesh vs Ding — WCC 2024 Final Game
Dommaraju Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion in history by winning the decisive final game against Ding Liren.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Ding Liren vs Dommaraju Gukesh (2024)
Event: World Chess Championship, Singapore (Game 14) | Result: 0-1
Professor Archer says: I had tears in my eyes watching this game live. An 18-year-old from Chennai, following in the footsteps of his hero Viswanathan Anand, clinching the world championship in the final game. Chess is a game of tradition, and watching a new generation take the crown is one of its most beautiful rituals.
History in Singapore
The 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore was a historic match in every sense. Ding Liren, the reigning champion from China, faced Dommaraju Gukesh, an 18-year-old Indian prodigy who had earned the right to challenge by winning the Candidates Tournament.
Heading into Game 14, the match was tied 6.5-6.5. Everything came down to this single game. The pressure was immense for both players, but especially for Gukesh, who was playing for a result that would make him the youngest World Chess Champion in history, surpassing Garry Kasparov's record from 1985.
A Tense Nimzo-Indian
Ding Liren opened with 1. d4 and Gukesh chose the Nimzo-Indian Defense, a solid and reliable choice for such a high-stakes game. The opening led to a well-known type of IQP (isolated queen's pawn) position where White has an isolated d4 pawn but active piece play.
The early middlegame was tense and balanced, with both players maneuvering carefully. Neither side wanted to make a mistake in a game of this magnitude. The quality of play reflected the enormous stakes.
A tense middlegame position in the Nimzo-Indian structure.
The Decisive Moment
As the game progressed into a complex endgame, both players navigated the complications with remarkable skill. The position appeared to be heading toward a draw, which would have sent the match to tiebreaks.
But in a critical moment, Ding Liren made an error that gave Gukesh a winning advantage. The young challenger seized his opportunity with precise play, converting the advantage with the calm of a veteran. It was a stunning display of composure under pressure from someone who had never been in a situation remotely this intense.
Ding Liren, visibly emotional after realizing his mistake, continued to play but the position was beyond saving. Gukesh converted methodically, and when Ding resigned, the 18-year-old became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in the modern era.
A New Chapter in Chess History
Gukesh's victory was celebrated across the chess world and especially in India, where chess has experienced explosive growth since Anand's reign. At 18 years old, Gukesh surpassed Kasparov, who won the title at 22, as the youngest world champion.
The game itself may not feature the brilliant sacrifices of the Immortal Game or the deep combinations of the Game of the Century. But its significance is enormous. It represents a changing of the guard in world chess, as a new generation of players raised on computer analysis and online play reaches the pinnacle of the game.
For young players everywhere, Gukesh's achievement sends a powerful message: age is no barrier to greatness in chess. With dedication, talent, and the courage to seize your moment, anything is possible.
What This Game Teaches
The final game of the 2024 World Championship teaches lessons that go beyond chess technique. First, it shows the importance of psychological resilience. Gukesh remained steady in the most high-pressure game of his life, while Ding — an experienced champion — cracked under the weight of the moment.
Second, it demonstrates that preparation matters. Gukesh's choice of the Nimzo-Indian was well-suited to a must-not-lose situation, giving him a solid position with winning chances if the opponent erred.
Third, it reminds us that chess careers are marathons, not sprints. Gukesh had been building toward this moment for years, and his steady improvement culminated in the biggest achievement in the game. Every training session, every tournament, every analyzed game contributed to this single, historic result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gukesh vs Ding 2024 considered a masterpiece?
This game is considered historic because 18-year-old Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion ever, surpassing Kasparov's record from 1985. The decisive final game of a tied match showcased extraordinary composure under immense pressure.
What opening was played in Ding Liren vs Gukesh?
Gukesh chose the Nimzo-Indian Defense (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4), a solid and reliable choice perfectly suited for the must-not-lose situation of a tied final game.
Who won Gukesh vs Ding 2024?
Dommaraju Gukesh won as Black in Game 14 of the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore. The victory made him the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in the modern era at 18 years old.
What key tactic or theme decided Gukesh vs Ding 2024?
The game was decided when Ding Liren made a critical error in a complex endgame that appeared to be heading toward a draw. Gukesh seized the opportunity with precise play, converting his advantage with the calm composure of a veteran.
Professor Archer says: What I admire most about Gukesh's play in this game is his composure. In the most pressure-filled game of his young life, he remained calm, trusted his preparation, and pounced when his opponent faltered. That kind of mental strength is something every chess player can aspire to develop.
Quick Quiz
How old was Gukesh when he became World Chess Champion in 2024?
- 16 years old - Gukesh was 18 years old when he won the title, not 16. He was still remarkably young for a world champion.
- 18 years old (Correct) - Correct. At 18, Gukesh became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in the modern era, surpassing Kasparov's previous record.
- 22 years old - That was Kasparov's age when he won the title in 1985. Gukesh was even younger at 18 years old.
- 20 years old - Gukesh was younger than 20. He was 18 years old when he defeated Ding Liren in Singapore.