Gukesh D height has become a popular search query among chess enthusiasts worldwide as the youngest World Chess Champion continues to dominate global headlines.
Standing tall in the chess world at just 18 years old, Dommaraju Gukesh has proven that physical stature matters less than mental prowess.
Beyond his impressive achievements on the chessboard, fans are curious about every aspect of his life, from his physical appearance to his personal relationships. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Gukesh D in 2026.
Quick Facts About Gukesh D
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dommaraju Gukesh |
| Nickname | Gukesh D |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 2006 |
| Age | 19 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches – 5 feet 9 inches (170-175 cm) |
| Weight | 55-65 kg (121-143 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Chess Grandmaster |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹25-30 Crore (approx. $3-3.5 million) |
| Current Title | World Chess Champion (Youngest Ever) |
| FIDE Rating | 2794 (as of early 2026) |
| World Ranking | #5-7 globally |
Gukesh D Height and Physical Appearance
Gukesh D height is approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, according to various sources and public appearances. While exact measurements vary across different platforms, most reliable sources place his height around 170-175 cm.
His weight is estimated to be between 55-65 kg. The young chess champion maintains a healthy physique that supports his demanding tournament schedule.
Gukesh has naturally black hair and striking black eyes that reflect his intense concentration during chess matches. Despite his unassuming physical presence, his sharp intellect and charismatic personality make him stand out in any crowd.
It’s worth noting that physical measurements may vary slightly as Gukesh is still in his late teens. At 19 years old in 2026, he may still be growing physically even as he continues to grow his chess legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Gukesh was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a Telugu-speaking family with roots in the Godavari delta region of Andhra Pradesh. His family originally hails from the village of Chenchuraju Kandriga, near Satyavedu in the Tirupati district.
His father, Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju, is an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon who made the ultimate sacrifice for his son’s career. In 2017, Dr. Rajinikanth quit his medical profession to travel with Gukesh to various tournaments worldwide.
His mother, Dr. Padmakumari (Padma), is a microbiologist who continues to work and support the family. Both parents have been instrumental in nurturing Gukesh’s chess talent from a very young age.
Gukesh’s grandfather, Shankar Raju, was born and raised in Chenchu Raju Kandriga and worked in the Indian Railways. The family still owns properties in the ancestral village.
The Dommaraju family’s unwavering support and sacrifice have been crucial to Gukesh’s success. His parents had a love marriage and have always encouraged him to pursue his passion.
Educational Background
Gukesh completed his primary education at Velammal Vidyalaya School in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai. This prestigious institution is known for producing chess talents, including other grandmasters like R Praggnanandhaa, Murali Karthikeyan, and Aravindh Chithambaram.
However, Gukesh’s dedication to chess led him to make a difficult decision. After completing Class IV (fourth standard), he dropped out of school to focus entirely on his chess career at the age of 10.
Despite leaving formal education early, Gukesh is academically bright and continues to educate himself through chess books, biographies of sportspersons, and self-study. His decision to prioritize chess has clearly paid dividends.
His first chess coach at Velammal School played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing his talent during those formative years.
Chess Career Journey
How It All Began
Gukesh started playing chess in 2013 at the tender age of seven years old. Initially, he attended structured one-hour sessions three times a week, but his passion for the game quickly intensified.
His mother once shared in an interview: “He became crazy about chess from a very young age. The passion only grew stronger with each passing year, but not at the expense of other interests.”
Early Achievements (2015-2018)
Gukesh’s talent became evident early on. In 2015, at age 9, he won the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships in Singapore. This was his first international medal.
In 2017, he secured victory at the National U-11 Open Chess Championship in Pune, establishing himself as a rising star in Indian chess.
The year 2018 proved to be breakthrough year. He won the Under-12 title at the World Youth Chess Championship and collected five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships across different formats (U-12 individual classical, solo fast and blitz, team rapid and blitz).
Becoming a Grandmaster (2019)
On January 15, 2019, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old, Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history, behind only Sergey Karjakin. He was just 17 days older than Karjakin when achieving this feat.
However, in June 2021, American chess player Abhimanyu Mishra became the youngest-ever Grandmaster at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, moving Gukesh to the third-youngest position. Nevertheless, this remains an extraordinary achievement.
Major Milestones (2021-2023)
In June 2021, Gukesh won the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour, Gelfand Challenge, scoring 14 out of 19 points.
At the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai (2022), Gukesh won the individual gold medal on the first board with a score of 9 out of 11. His team, India-2, secured the bronze medal.
September 2022 brought multiple achievements: he reached a FIDE rating of over 2700 for the first time (2726), becoming the third-youngest player to achieve this milestone after Wei Yi and Alireza Firouzja.
In October 2022, during the Aimchess Rapid tournament, 16-year-old Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen, becoming the youngest player ever to beat the reigning World Champion since Carlsen held the title.
In August 2023, Gukesh became the youngest player ever to reach a FIDE rating of 2750, breaking Magnus Carlsen’s record. He was just 17 years old.
In September 2023, Gukesh surpassed the legendary Viswanathan Anand as the top-ranked Indian player, ending Anand’s 37-year reign at the top.
Candidates Tournament Victory (2024)
In December 2023, Gukesh qualified for the prestigious 2024 Candidates Tournament after finishing second in the FIDE Circuit behind Fabiano Caruana.
In January 2024, he finished in a four-way tie for first place at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament with a score of 8½ in 13 rounds.
On April 22, 2024, Gukesh made history by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest-ever winner and earning the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship.
World Chess Champion (December 2024)
In December 2024, Gukesh achieved his ultimate dream. At the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore, he defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China with a score of 7.5-6.5.
Gukesh won three crucial games (3rd, 11th, and 14th matches) and capitalized on a critical blunder by Ding in the decisive 14th game. The victory made him the 18th World Chess Champion and the youngest undisputed world champion in history at just 18 years, 195 days old.
He broke Garry Kasparov’s 39-year-old record (Kasparov was 22 when he became champion in 1985).
2024 Chess Olympiad
At the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest (2024), Gukesh played a pivotal role in India winning both team and individual gold medals. His crucial victory over American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana secured India’s first-ever gold medal in the Open section.
Recent Success (2025-2026)
In June 2025, at the Norway Chess tournament, Gukesh defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen again, causing Carlsen visible frustration (he was seen slamming his hand on the table). This victory solidified Gukesh’s position among the world’s elite players.
As of January 2026, Gukesh maintains a FIDE rating around 2794 and ranks between #5-7 globally, continuing to compete at the highest level.
Gukesh D Net Worth 2026
Gukesh D’s net worth has seen exponential growth following his World Chess Championship victory. His estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately ₹25-30 Crore (around $3-3.5 million).
Net Worth Breakdown
- Pre-Championship (2024): Before winning the World Championship, Gukesh’s net worth was estimated at ₹8.26 crore (approximately $1.5 million).
- Championship Prize Money: From the World Chess Championship 2024, Gukesh earned a total prize fund share of approximately ₹11.45 crore ($1.35 million). Each game victory awarded ₹1.69 crore, and with three wins, he collected an additional ₹5.07 crore.
- Tournament Winnings: Throughout his career, Gukesh has accumulated approximately ₹13.6 crore (roughly $1.58 million) from various tournament prize winnings.
- Government Rewards: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a generous reward of ₹5 crore after Gukesh’s World Championship victory.
Income Sources
- Prize Money: High-stakes international tournaments continue to be his primary income source.
- Brand Endorsements: Following his championship win, Gukesh has secured multiple lucrative endorsement deals. He currently promotes RBL Bank and has deals estimated at around ₹60 lakh each.
- Appearance Fees: As World Champion, he commands significant appearance fees for tournaments and chess events.
- Media Appearances: TV shows, podcasts, and YouTube channels pay for interviews and appearances.
Assets and Gifts
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Gukesh’s school, Velammal Vidyalaya, gifted him a luxury Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth approximately ₹87 lakh to ₹1.05 crore to celebrate his achievements.
Tax Obligations
After his World Championship victory, Gukesh was required to pay approximately 42% income tax on his prize money according to FIDE regulations, amounting to roughly ₹4.67 crore. This made headlines as he had to pay more in taxes than MS Dhoni’s 2025 IPL salary.
Future Earnings Potential
Reports suggest Gukesh has already secured lucrative deals that will keep him busy for the next six months. As the youngest World Champion, his brand value is expected to continue rising significantly in 2026 and beyond.
Industry experts believe his championship victory can elevate chess’s status in India, potentially attracting more sponsors and increasing his earning potential exponentially.
Playing Style and Personality
Gukesh’s chess style is characterized by aggressive tactical play combined with solid positional understanding. He’s known for his exceptional calculation abilities and mental resilience under pressure.
Off the board, Gukesh is described as calm, composed, and remarkably mature for his age. Despite his success, he remains humble and grounded, often crediting his parents, coaches, and supporters for his achievements.
His interests extend beyond chess. He follows and plays cricket, reads books (especially biographies of sportspersons), plays badminton and table tennis, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Interestingly, his mother revealed he’s a “fussy eater at home, but eats whatever he gets while travelling for competitions.”
Relationship Status 2026
As of 2026, Gukesh D is single and not dating anyone. He does not have a girlfriend and remains completely focused on his chess career.
Gukesh’s Views on Relationships
In a viral video from December 2024, Gukesh was asked about having a girlfriend. With an innocent smile, he responded: “No, this is not on.”
When asked about the impact of having a girlfriend on his game, he thoughtfully replied: “It probably takes some time away from chess. I haven’t really thought about it much. I don’t think it’s the right age for those things. It may not make a huge difference, but it still takes time away from chess.”
Marriage Banter
In January 2025, during Vidit Gujrathi’s pre-wedding celebrations (another chess grandmaster), Gukesh was involved in light-hearted marriage banter. Viswanathan Anand’s wife, Aruna Anand, joked: “Marriage is okay, we can photoshop later also.” The playful comment showed the warm relationship within India’s chess community.
Focus on Career
At 19 years old in 2026, Gukesh remains laser-focused on maintaining his World Champion title and improving his game. His dedication to chess is evident in every aspect of his life.
Despite his fame and success, Gukesh has maintained remarkable privacy regarding his personal life. Unlike other young celebrities, his name hasn’t been linked to any romantic relationships.
His social media presence (Instagram: @gukesh.official with over 2 million followers) focuses primarily on professional highlights rather than personal matters.
For now, the chess world’s youngest champion appears content dedicating all his energy to the 64 squares that made him a legend.
Training and Coaching
Gukesh has been mentored by the legendary Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, India’s first World Chess Champion. This guidance has been invaluable in his development.
His father’s decision to quit his medical career and travel with Gukesh to tournaments worldwide has provided consistent support and companionship during his formative years.
Initially, Gukesh was also noted to follow R Praggnanandhaa’s style of play, learning from his contemporary’s games and strategies.
He trains rigorously, maintaining a disciplined routine that includes studying chess theory, analyzing games, physical fitness, and mental conditioning.
Records and Achievements Summary
- Youngest undisputed World Chess Champion (18 years, 195 days)
- Third-youngest Grandmaster in history (12 years, 7 months, 17 days)
- Youngest player to reach FIDE rating of 2750 (17 years old)
- Third-youngest player to reach FIDE rating of 2700 (16 years old)
- Youngest winner of FIDE Candidates Tournament (2024)
- Youngest player to defeat Magnus Carlsen as World Champion (16 years old, October 2022)
- Individual gold medal at 44th Chess Olympiad (2022)
- Team and individual gold medals at 45th Chess Olympiad (2024)
- Ended Viswanathan Anand’s 37-year reign as India’s top-rated player (September 2023)
Social Media Presence
Gukesh maintains an active social media presence to connect with fans and the chess community.
- Instagram: @gukesh.official – Over 2 million followers as of 2026, with 350+ posts showcasing his tournament victories, training sessions, and occasional glimpses into his personal life.
- Twitter/X: Active presence sharing tournament updates and chess insights.
- YouTube: Featured on various chess channels including ChessBase India, discussing his games and strategies.
His social media content primarily focuses on professional achievements, maintaining a clear boundary between his public chess persona and private life.
Inspirations and Role Models
Gukesh has often cited Bobby Fischer as one of his chess idols, frequently analyzing the American legend’s games.
The legendary Viswanathan Anand has been both an inspiration and mentor, with Gukesh crediting Anand’s guidance as crucial to his development.
Within his generation, he shares a friendly rivalry with fellow Indian grandmasters like R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, all of whom have pushed each other to greater heights.
Languages and Cultural Background
Gukesh is multilingual, proficient in Telugu (his mother tongue), Tamil (as he was born and raised in Chennai), Hindi, and English.
This linguistic versatility helps him communicate effectively in international tournaments and connect with diverse audiences across India and worldwide.
His Telugu heritage from Andhra Pradesh remains important to his identity, even though he grew up in Tamil Nadu.
Impact on Indian Chess
Gukesh’s success has had a profound impact on chess in India. Following in Viswanathan Anand’s footsteps, he represents a new generation of Indian chess prodigies who are dominating global chess.
His World Championship victory in 2024 sparked unprecedented interest in chess among Indian youth. Chess academies across the country reported increased enrollments following his triumph.
Along with contemporaries like Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh is part of a remarkable Indian chess renaissance that has made India a chess superpower.
His humble demeanor and family-first attitude have made him a role model for aspiring chess players and young Indians generally.
Future Goals and Aspirations
As the reigning World Champion entering 2026, Gukesh’s primary goal is defending his title and continuing to improve his game.
He has expressed aspirations to break the 2800 FIDE rating barrier, a milestone achieved by only a handful of players in chess history.
Gukesh aims to have a long reign as World Champion, similar to chess legends like Kasparov, Carlsen, and Anand.
Beyond personal achievements, he hopes to inspire more young Indians to take up chess and elevate India’s status as a global chess powerhouse.
He’s also shown interest in giving back to the chess community through coaching and mentorship when his playing career eventually winds down.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his young age, Gukesh has handled pressure and scrutiny remarkably well. After his World Championship victory, some questioned whether Ding Liren deliberately lost, but these claims were quickly dismissed by chess experts.
Following his victory over Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, Gukesh faced online hate and racism from some foreign social media users who wrote offensive remarks. However, when asked about Carlsen’s frustrated reaction (banging the table), Gukesh displayed maturity, saying it was “normal” to react to a loss that way, and he has also “banged many tables in frustration” while playing.
The tax burden after his championship win (₹4.67 crore) sparked discussions about how chess prize money is taxed in India, though Gukesh accepted it without complaint.
Lifestyle and Daily Routine
Despite his millionaire status, Gukesh maintains a relatively simple lifestyle focused on chess improvement.
His typical day includes several hours of chess study, physical exercise (he plays cricket, badminton, and table tennis), proper nutrition, and adequate rest.
When not competing, he spends time with family in Chennai, maintaining the close family bonds that have sustained him throughout his career.
He’s an avid reader, particularly enjoying biographies of sportspersons, which provide motivation and insights from other successful athletes.
Gukesh also enjoys solving puzzles beyond chess and continues to expand his knowledge across various subjects through self-directed learning.
Comparison with Other Young Chess Prodigies
Gukesh D vs. R Praggnanandhaa
Both are Indian chess prodigies from Chennai who trained at Velammal School. Praggnanandhaa (born August 10, 2005) is slightly older and was once the younger Grandmaster.
However, Gukesh has since achieved greater success with his World Championship title. Praggnanandhaa’s net worth is estimated around ₹8.26 crore ($1 million), while Gukesh’s has surged to ₹25-30 crore.
Gukesh D vs. Magnus Carlsen
When Magnus Carlsen became World Champion in 2013 at age 22, he was considered young. Gukesh surpassed this by becoming champion at 18.
While Carlsen’s career earnings and peak rating (2882) remain higher, Gukesh’s trajectory suggests he could eventually match or exceed these achievements.
Gukesh D vs. Garry Kasparov
Kasparov held the record as the youngest World Champion (22 years) from 1985 until Gukesh broke it in 2024. Both share aggressive playing styles and exceptional tactical vision, though direct comparisons across eras are difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Gukesh D’s exact height?
Gukesh D stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall (170-175 cm). Different sources report slightly varying measurements based on public appearances, but most reliable estimates place him around this range.
How old is Gukesh D in 2026?
Gukesh D is 19 years old in 2026. He was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, making him one of the youngest elite chess players competing at the highest level.
What is Gukesh D’s current net worth?
As of 2026, Gukesh D’s estimated net worth is approximately ₹25-30 crore (around $3-3.5 million). This includes prize money from tournaments, brand endorsements, government rewards, and other income sources accumulated through his chess career.
Is Gukesh D dating anyone or does he have a girlfriend?
No, Gukesh D is currently single and not dating anyone. He has stated that he doesn’t think it’s the right age for relationships and prefers to focus entirely on his chess career.
What made Gukesh famous?
Gukesh became famous for becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in December 2024 at just 18 years old. He also holds records as the youngest player to reach a 2750 FIDE rating and the youngest to defeat Magnus Carlsen when he was World Champion.
Where does Gukesh D currently live?
Gukesh lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, with his family. Chennai has been his home throughout his life and remains his base between international tournaments.
What is Gukesh D’s FIDE rating in 2026?
Gukesh D’s FIDE rating in early 2026 is approximately 2794, placing him among the top 5-7 players globally. His rating has consistently increased as he continues competing at elite levels.
How much did Gukesh earn from winning the World Championship?
Gukesh earned approximately ₹11.45 crore ($1.35 million) as his share of the prize fund from the 2024 World Chess Championship. He also received ₹5.07 crore from winning three individual games during the championship match.
Who are Gukesh D’s parents and what do they do?
Gukesh’s father is Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju, an ENT surgeon who quit his job in 2017 to support his son’s chess career. His mother is Dr. Padmakumari (Padma), a microbiologist who continues to work.
Will Gukesh defend his World Championship title?
Yes, as the reigning World Champion, Gukesh will defend his title against the next Candidates Tournament winner. He remains focused on maintaining his championship and improving his game to ensure a long reign.
Conclusion
Gukesh D height may be a simple physical measurement, but his impact on the chess world towers above most players in history.
At just 19 years old in 2026, he has accomplished what many chess players dream of achieving in a lifetime.
From his modest height of 5 feet 7-9 inches to his towering achievements as the youngest World Chess Champion, Gukesh embodies the principle that true greatness comes from dedication, talent, and unwavering focus.
His net worth of ₹25-30 crore reflects not just financial success but the value the world places on his exceptional abilities.
His decision to remain single and focused on chess demonstrates maturity beyond his years. With a supportive family, legendary mentorship from Viswanathan Anand, and an entire nation behind him, Gukesh’s journey is far from over.
As we move through 2026, the chess world watches eagerly to see what records this young prodigy will break next.
Whether defending his World Championship title, achieving a 2800+ rating, or inspiring the next generation of Indian chess players, Gukesh D has already secured his place in chess history. His story proves that age is just a number when passion, discipline, and talent converge.
From the narrow lanes of Chennai to the global chess stage, Gukesh D continues to make India proud. His height might be average, but his legacy is destined to be extraordinary. The youngest World Champion has only just begun to show the world what he’s truly capable of achieving.
