Youngest players to win FIDE Candidates tournament

Published at :April 23, 2024 at 3:29 PM

Modified at :April 23, 2024 at 3:29 PM

(Courtesy : India Today)

Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju overtook Garry Kasparov’s record to become the youngest champion.

Garry Kasparov’s longstanding record of being the youngest chess player to win the Candidates tournament was finally shattered after over four decades when India’s Gukesh Dommaraju won FIDE Candidates 2024 in Toronto.

Amid a star-studded field featuring some of the world’s best grandmasters, including Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi, Gukesh emerged as the undisputed champion, amassing an impressive nine points out of a possible 14.

As the tournament approached its final round, Gukesh stood as the sole leader with 8.5 points. In a highly-anticipated clash against the seasoned Hikaru Nakamura, the young Indian held his nerve, battling to a hard-fought draw. This result secured Gukesh’s final tally of nine points and cemented his position as the tournament’s champion.

While Hikaru, initially trailing with eight points, aimed for a decisive victory to catch up with Gukesh, he had to settle for a draw, concluding the event with 8.5 points and a joint second-place finish.

Meanwhile, the match between Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, both tied at eight points before the final round, was a tense affair. Caruana dominated the majority of the game, maintaining a commanding lead. However, in a display of Nepomniachtchi’s resilience, he managed to salvage a draw, resulting in both players securing 8.5 points each and joining Nakamura in the joint second-place finish.

Here, we look at some of the youngest players to win the Candidates Tournament:

8. Fabiano Caruana (Age: 25 years, 7 months, 28 days – Year: 2018)

Fabiano Caruana’s triumph at the 2018 Candidates tournament at the age of 25 years, 7 months and 28 days affirmed his status as a formidable contender.

The Italian-American grandmaster is currently the second highest-rated player in the world. He finished joint-second at the 2024 Candidates with 8.5 points, missing victory by just half a point.

7. Viswanathan Anand (Age: 25 years, 3 months, 11 days – Year: 1994/95)

The “Tiger from Madras,” Viswanathan Anand’s triumph at the 1994/95 Candidates tournament at the age of 25 years, 3 months and 11 days made him the heartbeat of chess in India and around the globe.

Anand’s victory paved the way for his illustrious career. He was the FIDE World Champion from 2000 to 2002 and from 2007 to 2013.

6. Anatoly Karpov (Age: 23 years, 5 months, 30 days – Year: 1974)

Anatoly Karpov’s victory at the 1974 Candidates tournament at the age of 23 years, 5 months and 30 days signaled the emergence of a formidable challenger. He was the world champion from 1975 to 1985 and from 1993 to 1999.

5. Mikhail Tal (Age: 22 years, 11 months, 20 days – Year: 1959)

Fondly remembered as the “Magician from Riga,” Mikhail Tal’s triumph at the 1959 Candidates tournament at the age of 22 years, 11 months and 20 days captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide.

His daring and imaginative style revolutionized the game He won the World Chess Championship once, in 1960 against Mikhail Botvinnik.

4. Peter Leko (Age: 22 years, 10 months, 13 days – Year: 2002)

Peter Leko won the 2002 Candidates tournament at the age of 22 years, 10 months and 13 days. He became the world’s youngest grandmaster in 1994.

The Hungarian chess narrowly missed out on winning the Classical World Chess Championship in 2004. The match was tied at 7-7 and Vladimir Kramnik retained the title.

3. Magnus Carlsen (Age: 22 years, 2 months, 4 days – Year: 2013)

Renowned as the “Mozart of Chess,” Magnus Carlsen’s triumph at the 2013 Candidates tournament at the age of 22 years, 2 months and 4 days marked the emergence of a generational talent. His intuitive understanding of the game and unparalleled versatility propelled him to victory.

Carlsen has won the World Chess Championship four times: in 2013, 2016, 2018 and most recently in 2021, after which he stepped down from defending his title.

2. Garry Kasparov (Age: 20 years, 11 months, 27 days – Year: 1983/84)

Regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, Garry Kasparov’s triumph at the 1983/84 Candidates tournament at the age of 20 years, 11 months and 27 days marked the beginning of an extraordinary career.

His unparalleled aggression and tactical brilliance mesmerized audiences. Kasparov won the World Chess Championship in 1985, 1986, 1987*, 1990, 1993 and 1995.

Note: In 1987 Kasparov retained the title after playing a 12-12 draw with Anatoly Karpov

1. Gukesh Dommaraju (Age: 17 years, 10 months, 24 days – Year: 2024)

In a feat that stunned the chess world, Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 17 years, 10 months and 24 days, clinched victory at the 2024 Candidates tournament. Gukesh played the Candidates at his absolute best, achieving nine points out of 14.

If Gukesh wins the World Chess Championship to be held later this year, he will become the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history. He will face Ding Liren of China for the title.

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