Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by making the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh won the title with a record-breaking score of 7.5-6.5, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record, who won the championship at the age of 22.
Having become a Grandmaster at the mere age of 12, this ultimate triumph is the culmination of his talent and hard work over the past few years. It places Gukesh alongside Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion who last held the title in 2013.
Brands React:
Gukesh’s victory has provoked a flood of praise from netizens and internet users, who have expressed pride in his historic accomplishment. Brands have led the way, taking to social media to congratulate the young prodigy.
Here are some of their posts:
Swiggy:
the youngest champ cooked, served, and ate frrrrr. 👑 #GukeshDing
— Swiggy Food (@Swiggy) December 12, 2024
Tinder India:
bro literally said checkmate to the opponent and all of India’s heart 😭❤️#GukeshD
— Tinder India (@Tinder_India) December 12, 2024
Blinkit:
“G” in Gukesh stands for the absolute GOAT 🥳#GukeshDing
— Blinkit (@letsblinkit) December 12, 2024
Uber India:
India’s (youngest) super knight has arrived! #GukeshDing #WorldChessChampion
— Uber India (@Uber_India) December 12, 2024
Zepto:
once a pawn, now the king 👑#Gukesh #gukeshdommaraju #fideworldchampionship
— Zepto (@ZeptoNow) December 12, 2024
Flipkart:
No discount on how proud we are of @DGukesh today! 🥹♟️🏆#GukeshDing
— Flipkart (@Flipkart) December 12, 2024
boAt:
Youngest ever chess world champion!!!
He played moves and now we all can play party songs 🤌— boAt (@RockWithboAt) December 12, 2024
Will This Victory Affect his Brand Value?
Gukesh’s historic win is expected to open up new opportunities for brand endorsements in the chess landcape, which has seen limited representation so far, according to a report by Moneycontrol.
On a more personal level, it is also expected to open brilliant new doors for brand deals for Gukesh himself. While he is already the brand ambassador of Mumbai-based RBL bank, his spectacular achievement is bound to attract attention from a range of sectors, from sports brands to fintech companies. His global achievement and widespread national fame presents an opportunity too good to miss.
Neerav Tomas, MD of IOS Sports and Entertainment, has theorized that Gukesh is likely to secure long-term endorsements valued at up to Rs 60 lakh per deal. “No chess player is endorsing any brand right now. My team is already working to bring something for Gukesh,” he told Moneycontrol.
As an example, Viswanathan Anand has endorsed brands like Parle Milk Shakti, Vodafone, Crocin and Fincare Small Finance bank over the years. It is likely that Gukesh will similarly attract major brand deals.
