Chess Championship 2025: At just 18 years old, Gukesh is on an ambitious mission to make history as the youngest world chess champion ever. With a remarkable feat already achieved, he became the youngest player ever to compete in the prestigious World Chess Championship (WCC). This championship traces its roots back to 1886, and Gukesh will face off against Ding Liren in a match that will be held at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa.
Gukesh has already etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever participant in the World Chess Championship. On top of that, he made headlines as the youngest winner of the Candidates Tournament at just 17, earning him the chance to play for the world title.
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First Indian to Compete in WCC in 10 Years
For the first time in a decade, an Indian other than Viswanathan Anand will compete in the World Chess Championship. Anand, a five-time world champion, last competed for the title in 2014, losing to Magnus Carlsen in Sochi. Carlsen, who dominated the chess world for almost a decade, decided to step away from the championship matches, leaving the spot open for new contenders.
WCC 2025: Ding Liren vs. Gukesh
Ding Liren, who finished second in the Candidates Tournament behind Ian Nepomniachtchi, has been chosen to take Carlsen’s place. Gukesh, with his historic win in the Candidates Tournament, has earned the opportunity to challenge for the world title.
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World Chess Championship 2025: Match Schedule
The WCC 2025 will feature 14 match days and 4 rest days over a period of approximately three weeks. Here’s the full schedule for Gukesh and Ding Liren:
- November 25 (Monday) – Game 1: 2:30 PM IST
- November 26 (Tuesday) – Game 2: 2:30 PM IST
- November 27 (Wednesday) – Game 3: 2:30 PM IST
- November 28 (Thursday) – Rest Day
- November 29 (Friday) – Game 4: 2:30 PM IST
- November 30 (Saturday) – Game 5: 2:30 PM IST
- December 1 (Sunday) – Game 6: 2:30 PM IST
- December 2 (Monday) – Rest Day
- December 3 (Tuesday) – Game 7: 2:30 PM IST
- December 4 (Wednesday) – Game 8: 2:30 PM IST
- December 5 (Thursday) – Game 9: 2:30 PM IST
- December 6 (Friday) – Rest Day
- December 7 (Saturday) – Game 10: 2:30 PM IST
- December 8 (Sunday) – Game 11: 2:30 PM IST
- December 9 (Monday) – Game 12: 2:30 PM IST
- December 10 (Tuesday) – Rest Day
- December 11 (Wednesday) – Game 13: 2:30 PM IST
- December 12 (Thursday) – Game 14: 2:30 PM IST
- December 13 (Friday) – Tie-breaks (if needed): 2:30 PM IST
Prize Money for WCC 2025
The total prize pool for the World Chess Championship is a whopping $2.5 million. Players will earn $200,000 (around ₹1.68 crore) for every game they win. If the match ends in a tie-break, the winner will receive $1.3 million (₹10.9 crore), while the runner-up will earn $1.2 million (₹10.1 crore).
Gukesh and Ding: A Battle of Emotions
Ahead of the tournament, Gukesh was seen interacting with his father, Rajnikanth, and coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, smiling and enjoying the moment. Meanwhile, Ding Liren appeared to be more reserved, sitting alone in contemplation, reflecting on his journey to the championship.
Gukesh admitted to feeling some nerves but emphasized how excited he was to be at this stage, while Ding reflected on the challenges he faced in his mental health journey in recent months. Ding shared how his focus now is entirely on chess, as he prepares mentally for the grueling matches ahead.
As the match approaches, Gukesh has a significant opportunity to seize the initiative in Game 1, having the white pieces. The question now is whether Ding, with his experience, can mount a comeback as he has done in previous matches.
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