Gukesh D crowned 18th FIDE World Champion

After almost a month of fierce competition, against an opponent who never gave in, 18-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai Gukesh D. raised the winner’s trophy this evening, in the magnificent ballrooms of the Equarius Hotel Sentosa.

It has been an extraordinary journey, one that has kept us all on the edge of our seats with each move, and each brilliant game. It has been a celebration of not just the players and their remarkable achievements, but also of the spirit of chess—its ability to inspire, connect, and transcend boundaries.

The awards ceremony took place next to the “fish tank”, the extra sensorial cube in which the 14-game match has been played. Over 1000 authorities, chess fans and media saluted the 18th champion in the line of the greatest players in history.

The gala evening and closing ceremony began with a warm welcome to everyone by the two outstanding Masters of Ceremonies, Maurice Ashley and Charlize Van Zyl. Following the rendition of the Singaporean and FIDE anthems, a short video was projected, revisiting the incredible highlights that have made this championship unforgettable.

Singapore provided the perfect backdrop for this championship, combining the city’s stunning beauty with the warmth hospitality of its people.  Mr. Murali Pillai, Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Transport took to the stage and thanked FIDE and the local organizers for putting the event together. He also congratulated the two finalists, Ding Liren and Gukesh D. for their sportsmanship, setting such a fine example for chess enthusiasts all over the world. 

Immediately afterwards, the CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation, Kevin Goh Wei Ming, joined the moderators on stage. Months and months of meticulous planning and hard work resulted in an impeccably organized event. Goh congratulated the players for their remarkable spirit and highlighted that the match had captivated millions of spectators all over the world.

The ceremony entered its final stage as Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation, was invited to take the floor. He delivered heartfelt appreciation for everyone that had participated in the event during the last few weeks. He also highlighted the fighting spirit that the players brought to the table, with good moves but also mistakes.

Before prizegiving, Dvorkovich awarded commemorative appreciation plaques to both the minister Murali Pillai and to Professor Hsu Li Yang, the President of the Singapore Chess Federation.

Gratitude was extended to those who made this championship possible, including those working inside the cube every day – Chief Arbiter Hamid Bin Abd Majid, Deputy Arbiter Anastasia Sorokina, and Fair Play officer Aleksandar Colovic.

A special round of applause was awarded to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, who wasn’t able to join us tonight, but whose leadership and passion were pivotal in the championship’s success.

Kevin Goh was once again called to the stage and awarded the runner-up medal to the outgoing champion, Ding Liren – a player whose journey to this stage has exemplified his perseverance and mastery.

Accompanied at all times by his family and friends, he received the most important recognition: a round of thunderous applause for his effort in the competition.

And last but not least, the moment that everyone had been waiting for — the crowning of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Champion. Gukesh D, a player who has dazzled us with brilliance, poise, and creativity across the board.

The gold medal was presented by the Singapore Chess Federation CEO Kevin Goh Wei Ming, the iconic World Champion laurel was presented by Minister Mr. Murali Pillai and finally, the champion’s trophy was presented by FIDE President Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich.

Before the final photo opportunity shoot, Gukesh gave an emotional 10-minute speech, in which he thanked his family and friends, his team of coaches and his sponsors. He said that the journey had been nothing less than a dream, that there had been a lot of ups and downs, many beautiful moments but also setbacks, but that he wouldn’t change a single thing of his career.

Written by IM Michael Rahal (Singapore)

Photos: Eng Chin An, Maria Emelianova and Singapore Open

Official website: worldchampionship.fide.com/

Full programme of side-events: worldchampionship.fide.com/events

About the event

World Champion Ding Liren, representing China, and challenger Gukesh D, from India, faced each other in a fourteen-game classical chess match. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the match, picking up the better part of the $2.5 million total prize fund.

The match was hosted at the luxurious Resorts World Sentosa and broadcasted live with expert commentary on the FIDE YouTube Channel.