World Chess Championship 2024

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World Chess Championship 2024 was held in Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa from 25 November to 12 December. The defending champion was Ding Liren, and the challenger was Gukesh Dommaraju. The match was a best-of-14 games contest, with tiebreaks if needed. Gukesh won 7.5–6.5 after all 14 games, making him the youngest undisputed world chess champion at 18.

Background and format
Ding Liren won the world title in 2023 after Magnus Carlsen chose not to defend. Gukesh earned the right to challenge by winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Toronto. The match used a long-time control: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest with a 30-second increment. The prize fund was $2.5 million in total, with the winner receiving $1.35 million and the loser $1.15 million.

Game results at a glance
- Game 1: Ding won in 42 moves with the French Defense.
- Game 2: Draw in 23 moves.
- Game 3: Gukesh won in 37 moves.
- Game 4: Draw in 42 moves.
- Game 5: Draw in 40 moves.
- Game 6: Draw in 46 moves.
- Game 7: Draw in 72 moves (highly praised fight).
- Game 8: Draw in 51 moves.
- Game 9: Draw in 54 moves.
- Game 10: Draw in 36 moves.
- Game 11: Gukesh won in 29 moves.
- Game 12: Ding won in 39 moves.
- Game 13: Draw in 69 moves.
- Game 14: Gukesh won in 58 moves, sealing the title.

Aftermath and significance
Gukesh’s victory made him the youngest player ever to win the undisputed World Chess Championship. The match also highlighted big momentum swings and deep endgame battles, including several very long draws. Ratings and careers shifted: Gukesh’s rating fell slightly, while Ding’s rating rose. Gukesh credited his team and supporters for the victory, and he said he would continue to work hard, while Ding signaled he would keep playing and focus on rapid and blitz events.