Elon Musk congratulates D Gukesh after the grandmaster becomes youngest classical chess world champion

New Delhi: D Gukesh received a message of congratulations from billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday after the Indian emerged as the youngest chess world champion at the age of 18. Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren with a 7.5-6.5 score in an exciting 14-game contest in Singapore.

Since his triumph against Liren, Gukesh has been receiving praise from across the globe. Responding to Gukesh’s update on X, Elon Musk wrote “congratulations.”

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced a cash prize of ₹5 crore to for Gukesh. “To honour the monumental achievement of D Gukesh, the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, I am delighted to announce a cash prize of ?5 crore!

18th @ 18! pic.twitter.com/krXbIfewo0

— Gukesh D (@DGukesh) December 13, 2024

“His historic victory has brought immense pride and joy to the nation,” Stalin said in a post on X. “May he continue to shine and achieve greater heights in the future. Kudos to Hon’ble @Udhaystalin and @SportsTN_ for their exceptional support and encouragement in nurturing this young star,” the CM said.

D Gukesh’s dream comes true:
Gukesh began playing chess at an early age and envisioned becoming the youngest global chess champion around 2017-18. Now, seven years later, the young player has achieved that goal.

“I am just living my dream,” said Gukesh after winning against Liren. “I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream. I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on,” he added.

“I’ve been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was 6 or 7. Every chess player wants to live this moment. I’m living my dream. I’d like to thank God from candidates till the championship.”

Gukesh also praised his opponent Liren. “To me Ding is a real world champion. He fought like a true champion and I’m sorry for Ding and team. I would like to thank my opponent,” Gukesh said.