India's aspiring chess players and their parents woke up Friday with big dreams after 18-year-old hometown hero Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest world champion.

World Chess Championship victory underscores the flourishing chess culture in Chennai, driven by passionate institutions and Grandmasters who are willing to give back to the community. The city's rich chess legacy,

Gukesh Dommaraju of India defeated Ding Liren of China Thursday to win the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, giving him chess's highest honor at the age of 18. Dommaraju won the best-of-14 series by a score of 7 1/2–6 1/2, taking the 14th game thanks to a massive tactical error by Liren.