Indian grandmaster D Gukesh etched his name in history on Thursday (December 12) after winning the 2024 World Chess Championship after defeating Ding Liren in a dramatic final. Heading into the 14th and final game of clasical chess, the two player were tied on 6.5 points and seemed destined for tie-breaks breaks before the Indian star pounced on a major blunder from the defending champion in the closing minutes of the match.

The two players gave each other stiff competition as Ding won the first match but after a draw in the second game, Gukesh equalled the score by winning the third battle. Following which, the two players played out seven draws in a row. The deadlock was broken by Gukesh by winning the 11th game but Ding ensured a tense final two games by winning the 12 th game before the two players settled for a draw in the penultimate clash.

As per FIDE rules, each player receives $200,000 for every match they win. Hence, Gukesh was awarded $600,000 (Rs. 5.09 crores approx), while Ding got $400,000 (Rs. 3.39 crore approx).

The overall prize money pool was $2.5 million, and the remaining $1.5 million (approx. Rs. 12 crore) was divided equally, meaning both got $750,000 (Rs. 6.36 crore).

Hence, Gukesh overall won $1,350,000 (Rs. 11.45 crore approx.), while Ding received $1,150,000 (Rs. 9.75 crore approx.).

Gukesh is the 18th World Champion in history and only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the elusive title. He is also the youngest player in history to win the prestigious title.

The closing ceremony in which Gukesh will be awarded his medal and prize money is scheduled to take place on Friday (December 13).

Earlier this year, Gukesh was part of the Indian team which created history to win the Chess Olympiad for the first time in history.

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