‘The future is here… It’s today’: Chess fraternity reacts to 17-year-old Gukesh winning Candidates

Gukesh wins Candidates: From former world champions to legends of game, here's how the chess fraternity reacted to Gukesh winning the prestigious tournament that allows him to challenge world champion Ding Liren for his crown

Gukesh is the second youngest player ever to compete at the Candidates chess tournament. But despite the inexperience, he's on top of the standings with 3.5 points after five rounds. (PHOTO: FIDE/ Michal Walusza)

Gukesh wins Candidates: 17-year-old D Gukesh from Chennai scripted history in Toronto at the prestigious Candidates chess tournament after his draw with World No 3 Hikaru Nakamura ensured that he earns the right to challenge reigning world champions Ding Liren for his crown next year.

It was a remarkable achievement for the teenager from India, whose career is already littered with many historic moments.

Gukesh became India’s youngest grandmaster ever at the age of 12 years, seven months, 17 days, missing the tag of the world’s youngest by a mere 17 days. He overhauled the five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as the country’s top ranked player for the first time after 36 years last year. Now, he has added another feat to that impressive list.

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There was a massive outpouring of awe on social media after Gukesh claimed his title with everyone from former world champions to legends of the game tweeting. Here’s how the chess fraternity reacted to Gukesh winning the prestigious tournament.

Here’s what five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand said on social media platform X after Gukesh’s victory.

Congratulations to @DGukesh for becoming the youngest challenger. The @WacaChess family is so proud of what you have done . I’m personally very proud of how you played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment

— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) April 22, 2024

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Here’s what another former world champion Vladimir Kramnik said:

What an evening 🫣
Congratulations to Gukesh and special award for both Fabi, Ian for their increadible performance today. One of the most interesting games I ever saw. Bravo, REAL FIGHTERS, for giving it all. Most important, more than anything in chess in fact
Full respect

— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) April 22, 2024

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here’s what grandmaster RB Ramesh, who has coached two players who competed at the Candidates this year, calls Gukesh’s performance inspiring.

Hearty Congratulations to young @Gukesh for convincingly winning the Candidates. Inspiring performance! Whole India is proud of you!

— Ramesh RB (@Rameshchess) April 22, 2024

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American grandmaster Hans Niemann was also one of the first to react to Gukesh winning the Candidates.

Chess speaks for itself

— Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) April 22, 2024

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Even Harika Dronavalli, who’s already a legend of the game in India, was impressed by what Gukesh had done, calling it inspiring.

Here’s Tania Sachdev’s reaction:

GUKESH WINS THE CANDIDATES!!

The future is here. It’s today.

22.04.2024 a date to remember

It’s going to be Ding Liren vs Gukesh, World Chess Championship 2024

— Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) April 22, 2024

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This is what GM Davis Howell had to say:

Congrats to Gukesh on winning the Candidates!! What a tournament 👏
I knew he was special ever since our first game. He was just 12 years old (but already a GM! 🤯 ) While analysing, both his mature attitude and his calculation skills impressed me hugely. Future world champ? 🌟 pic.twitter.com/9WkkkFXeDg

— David Howell (@DavidHowellGM) April 22, 2024

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