Gukesh D isn’t just another name on the leaderboard. He’s a symbol of India’s rise in the world of chess. Born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dommaraju Gukesh made history at lightning speed. At the age of 12, he became the second youngest Grandmaster ever. Fast forward to 2024, he shocked the world again by winning the World Chess Championship 2024, defeating Ding Liren in a nail-biting final. His incredible journey from school chess rooms to global arenas is a story of pure determination, discipline and daring moves.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Gukesh isn’t afraid to take bold decisions on the board. While others calculate safe moves, he chooses sharp lines and unpredictable tactics. No wonder he now holds a FIDE rating of 2785. That’s elite territory. In 2024, he not only won the FIDE Candidates Tournament but also helped lead the Indian chess team 2024 to its first Olympic Chess Gold Medalist title. Simply put, this chess prodigy isn’t just playing to win. He’s playing to change the game.
Profile summary
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Dommaraju Gukesh |
Popular Name | Gukesh D |
Date of Birth | 29 May 2006 |
Age (2024) | 18 Years Old |
Place of Birth | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Profession | Chess Grandmaster |
FIDE ID | 46616543 |
FIDE Rating (2024) | 2785 |
Father’s Name | Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju |
Mother’s Name | Dr. Padma Kumari |
School | Velammal Vidyalaya School |
Gukesh D Early Life
Gukesh D’s early life began in a supportive home in Chennai. His father, Rajinikanth Dommaraju, is an ENT specialist, and his mother, Padma Kumari, works as a microbiologist. Both parents played a vital role in shaping his chess career. Though they weren’t from a sports background, they recognized his gift early. At just seven years old, Gukesh began his chess journey, practicing after school with deep focus.
What makes his childhood unique is how fast he adapted. Most kids his age were still figuring out the basics. Gukesh was already taking down older kids at weekend junior chess tournaments. His home wasn’t filled with trophies back then. But it was filled with quiet support and structured routines. That mattered more.
Gukesh D Education
Balancing school and chess isn’t easy, but Gukesh did it with grace. He attended Velammal Vidyalaya School Chennai, a school known for supporting young sports talent. His teachers offered flexibility during travel seasons while helping him maintain good academic performance. He always valued learning, even if he couldn’t be in class every day.
Despite a packed chess schedule, he never ignored schoolwork. With the support of his teachers and online learning platforms, he kept pace. His education is a strong mix of Indian academic discipline and practical life experiences. Many believe his deep focus at the board also helped him score well in studies. That’s what sets Indian chess prodigies like him apart,a well-rounded foundation.
Gukesh D Family
Gukesh comes from a close-knit family background where values and focus rule the day. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju, balanced his medical career while supporting Gukesh’s tournaments across the country. His mother, Dr. Padma Kumari, ensured he had the right nutrition, rest, and emotional balance. The family never pressured him. Instead, they believed in consistency and inner drive.
In many interviews, Gukesh has said that his parents are his biggest supporters. They never chased results. They just made sure he stayed curious, motivated and humble. This emotional support helped him navigate big wins and painful losses without losing his cool. For a young Indian chess player, that’s a rare and precious gift.
Gukesh D Career
Gukesh D’s career took off like a rocket. By age 11, he was already making waves in the World Cadet Chess Championship. At age 12, he earned the Grandmaster title. He continued his winning streak through the Asian Youth Chess Championship, collecting five gold medals in various formats. By 2023, he became the youngest player to cross the 2750 rating mark, officially placing him among the top chess players in the world.
Then came 2024,the golden year. He crushed the competition at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024, beating veterans like Fabiano Caruana. That earned him a seat opposite Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship 2024. Gukesh won in a gripping 14-game series. His performance shocked the world. It reminded many of Viswanathan Anand, the last Indian to hold the world title. But this time, India had a teen hero leading the charge.
Also Reed: Masoom Sharma Biography (Indian Singer)
Gukesh D Medals
Year | Tournament | Medal | Category |
2015 | Asian School Chess Championship | Gold | U-9 |
2018 | World Cadet Chess Championship | Gold | U-12 |
2018 | Asian Youth Chess Championship | 5x Gold | U-12 (all formats) |
2024 | Chess Olympiad | Gold | Team and Individual |
2024 | World Chess Championship | Gold | Senior Title (vs Ding Liren) |
2024 | FIDE Candidates Tournament | Winner | Entry to World Championship |
Each title represents not just victory but years of training, strategy and sacrifices. His collection of trophies and medals proves that Gukesh isn’t just participating in tournaments. He’s dominating them.
Gukesh D Net Worth
As of 2025, Gukesh D net worth 2025 is estimated at ₹21 crore, and it’s only rising. His monthly income ₹10 lakh includes tournament earnings, match appearance fees and endorsements from top Indian brands. With rising global fame, companies are now lining up to collaborate with him. He has already signed contracts with tech, sportswear and even education brands.
Unlike many young stars, Gukesh is smart with his finances. He reinvests in training tools, coaching and health. Most of his income comes from wins in top-level tournaments like the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2025 and the World Chess Championship 2025. Add endorsements, interviews and documentaries into the mix, and he’s set for long-term success among the richest chess players in India.
Gukesh D Physical Appearance
Feature | Details |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (approx) |
Weight | 55k kg (approx) |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Body Type | Lean and Athletic |
Skin Tone | Medium Brown |
Face Shape | Oval |
Clothing Style | Casual Smart |
Gukesh D Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username | Followers (Approx) | Link |
@gukesh_d | 324k followers | Click Here | |
@DGukesh | 209.2K | Click Here | |
@gukesh.dommaraju | 42k followers | Click Here |
Gukesh D Interesting Facts
Gukesh D isn’t just a chess prodigy ,he’s a rising star who’s breaking records with calm focus and sharp moves. Here are some following steps of Gukesh D Interesting Facts
- Gukesh became the second youngest Grandmaster in chess history at the age of 12 years and 7 months
- In 2024 he became the youngest challenger for the World Chess Championship by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament
- He was a key player in helping India win its first-ever gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad
- Gukesh has a FIDE rating of 2785 which places him among the top five players globally
- He’s from Chennai the same city that gave India its first world champion Viswanathan Anand
- Gukesh’s parents are both doctors ,his father Rajinikanth Dommaraju is an ENT surgeon and his mother Padma Kumari is a microbiologist
- He’s already beaten famous players like Fabiano Caruana and Ding Liren on the world stage
Read More: Drisha Acharya Biography (Indian project manager)
Read More: Jasmin Bhasin Biography (Indian Actress and Model)
FAQ’s
What is Gukesh D’s full name?
Gukesh D’s full name is Dommaraju Gukesh. He is widely known in the chess world for his incredible achievements at a young age.
How old is Gukesh D in 2024?
In 2024 Gukesh D will be 18 years old. He was born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Who are Gukesh D’s parents?
Gukesh D’s father is Rajinikanth Dommaraju, an ENT specialist, and his mother is Padma Kumari, a respected microbiologist.
What is Gukesh D’s FIDE rating?
As of 2024 Gukesh D has a FIDE rating of 2785, placing him among the top five chess players in the world.
What is Gukesh D’s estimated net worth?
Gukesh D has an estimated net worth of ₹21 crore earned through endorsements, tournament prizes, and international chess appearances.
Conclusion
Gukesh D is no longer just a rising star. He’s a blazing comet in the world of chess. His journey from Velammal Vidyalaya School Chennai to winning the World Chess Championship 2024 shows what happens when talent meets discipline.
With a FIDE rating of 2785, a strong family foundation and a growing list of achievements, he’s the future of global chess. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the story of Dommaraju Gukesh will inspire you to think smarter, play harder and never give up.