Gukesh Clinches Gold: Youngest Winner in Canada's Candidates
Gukesh, a 17-year-old chess prodigy from India, made history by winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Toronto. At the closing ceremony, he proudly received the gold medal and trophy, becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the Chess World Championship. When asked about his thoughts on winning, he admitted it wasn't something he fully expected, but he believed that staying positive throughout the tournament might make it possible.
The victory was significant, especially considering the tough competition in the Open category of the tournament organized by FIDE. Gukesh shared his excitement about the win, revealing that he had very little sleep the night after the tournament due to his overwhelming excitement.
For Gukesh, the last three rounds of the tournament were particularly nerve-wracking as he realized he had a chance to lead the scoreboard. Despite the pressure, he managed to maintain his composure and emerge victorious.
Gukesh wasn't the only Indian player to shine at the Candidates. Koneru Humpy secured a joint silver in the women’s section, alongside China’s Lei Tingjie, while Tan Zhongyi claimed the top spot. Vaishali Rameshbabu also received praise for her remarkable performance, winning five consecutive games—a feat unheard of at this level of competition.
In the Open section, Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi and American Hikaru Nakamura both earned joint silvers. Nakamura was Gukesh’s opponent in the final round, adding to the intensity of the competition.
Toronto held a special significance for Gukesh, who will always remember the city as the place where he achieved a major milestone in his chess career. The tournament trophies were crafted from reclaimed wood from city trees, adding a touch of sustainability to the event.
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