The 2024 World Chess Championship Preview: Ding Liren vs Gukesh D
Every world championship match is special, but this year's clash between China's Ding Liren and India's Gukesh Dommaraju is particularly significant. It marks the first time that two players from Asia will compete for the title in the history of the World Chess Championship, which spans 138 years. As the stage is set for the 2024 World Chess Championship, scheduled to begin in just a few weeks — from November 25 to December 15 — at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, the anticipation grows dramatically.
Ding Liren, who clinched the title in 2023 after a closely contested battle against Ian Nepomniachtchi, is now preparing for his first-ever title defense. His opponent, the 18-year-old Gukesh D, has a great chance to become the youngest world champion in history should he dethrone the current champion. The young Indian GM has been shining in almost every tournament over the past year and is favored to do just that, with recent betting odds suggesting Gukesh has about a 66% chance of emerging victorious, while Ding's chances are estimated at around 40.8%.
Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on this monumental championship match, with fans and professionals alike discussing and sharing their thoughts leading up to the event. As we prepare for the opening of this significant occasion, here are the best insights about the match and its participants, along with what you can expect in terms of wins and visitor options.
Here's a quick overview of the sections covered in this article; click on the links below to scroll down to the sections that interest you:
- Player Profiles: Experience vs Youth
- Predictions
- Historical Significance
- Schedule and Venue
- Google as a Sponsor
- New Regulations to Encourage More Decisive Games
- Where and How to Watch the Match
Player Profiles: Experience vs. Youth
Let’s have a brief look at the biography and main achievements of the two participants.
Ding Liren
- The Reigning World Champion
- Age: 32
- Country: China
- Classical Rating: 2728
- Rapid Rating: 2776
- Blitz Rating: 2785
- World Rank: 23
- National Rank: 2
Photo by Michal Walusza – FIDE's Flickr Page
Born in Wenzhou, China, Ding Liren started to play chess at the age of four. By 16, he became the youngest-ever champion of China and went on to lead his country to Olympic gold in 2014 and 2018, and a World Team Championship gold in 2015.
Ding is the highest-rated Chinese chess player in history and the first to surpass the 2800 Elo rating mark. He has excelled in all time formats, achieving the highest Blitz rating of 2875 in July 2016 and becoming the No. 1 ranked Rapid player with a rating of 2830 in July 2023
Among his many tournament achievements, Ding triumphed in both the 2019 Grand Chess Tour and the Sinquefield Cup, secured silver in two consecutive World Cups, and finished second in the 2022 FIDE Candidates Tournament, which qualified him for the 2023 World Chess Championship. There, he defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi in the rapid tiebreaks after their classical portion ended in a 7–7 tie, thus being crowned world champion, the first from China.
Playing Style
As the reigning world champion, Ding Liren brings a wealth of experience to the board. He is known for his solid positional play and psychological resilience, particularly during intense moments. His ability to maintain composure under pressure was crucial in the 2023 World Championship against Ian Nepomniachtchi, where he showcased remarkable fortitude, ultimately winning the title in a tense rapid tiebreak as the classical portion ended in a tie. Like any elite grandmaster, Ding knows how to transition effectively between defensive and offensive strategies as needed. These qualities make the Chinese Grandmaster a formidable opponent in high-stakes environments, such as the World Chess Championship.
Current Form
Despite his achievements, Ding has not shown particularly strong form since winning the championship title. His limited tournament participation has contributed to this. After his championship win in April 2023, he placed 8th in the GCT Superbet Chess Classic in Romania, scoring 4/9. He then took a nine-month break from competitive play, citing struggles with depression.
Ding returned to action in January 2024, finishing 9th at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and placing 5th among 6 players in the rapid Grenke Chess Classic. He faced even bigger challenges in the Norway Chess tournament, finishing last out of 6 players with a score of 7/30. Most recently, at the Chess Olympiad, he failed to win any games, resulting in a drop from the FIDE top 20 rankings.
Heading into the championship match against Gukesh, Ding's form appears less than ideal. However, he has repeatedly demonstrated that he cannot be underestimated. His experience and psychological resilience will undoubtedly be key factors, especially when facing a young and energetic player like Gukesh D.
Gukesh Dommaraju
- The challenger
- Age: 18
- Country: India
- Classical Rating: 2783
- Rapid Rating: 2654
- Blitz Rating: 2615
- World Rank: 5
- National Rank: 2
Photo by Michal Walusza – FIDE's Flickr Page
Gukesh Dommaraju represents the pinnacle of youthful brilliance in chess. Born in Chennai in 2006, he began his chess journey at the age of 7 and quickly emerged as a leading figure in the sport. Gukesh has earned multiple gold medals at both the World and Asian Youth Championships, establishing himself as one of the most successful youngsters in the history of chess. Notably, he became the youngest player ever to reach the 2750 Elo rating milestone.
In April 2024, Gukesh made headlines by winning the Candidates Tournament, thus becoming the youngest player to qualify for a World Championship match. His performance in the tournament was outstanding, finishing with five wins, one loss, and eight draws, totaling 9 out of 14 points to claim first place.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh is already well-established in the top 10 world rankings and is recognized as India’s leading grandmaster. His contributions to the national team in Chess Olympiads are equally impressive, where he has secured one team gold, two individual golds, and one bronze team medal.
Playing Style
Gukesh's playing style can be characterized by a blend of creativity, aggression, and tactical acumen. He is known for his willingness to take risks and often opts for sharp, dynamic positions that can unsettle even the most experienced opponents. The young Indian star enjoys playing unconventional openings and has a deep understanding of tactical motifs, along with impressive endgame technique. Highly talented and persistent, Gukesh knows how to capitalize on even the smallest advantages and convert them into full victories. Coupled with his youthful energy and confidence, he embraces complicated positions and thrives in high-pressure environments. The combination of skill, talent, and mental fortitude makes him a worthy challenger for the world crown.
Current Form
2024 has been an exceptional year for Gukesh from the very beginning. He began the year by tying for first place at the Tata Steel Chess Super Tournament, ultimately finishing second after the tiebreaks. In April, the young Indian shone in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, securing his title shot. He achieved five wins, suffered one loss, and drew eight games, finishing the event clear first with a score of 9/14 and breaking the record for the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates.
In September, Gukesh led the Indian team to their first-ever Olympic gold, defeating eight grandmasters on board one, including Wei Yi, Parham Maghsoodloo, and Fabiano Caruana, and finishing with an impressive 9 out of 10 points. His performance rating of 3056 was the highest among all players in the tournament, earning him an individual gold medal on board one and securing a spot in the FIDE world top five.
Unlike his opponent, Gukesh has remained very active leading up to this championship match and is in top form. His successful performances in recent events will undoubtedly instill confidence as he prepares to challenge for the world crown.
Predictions
As the 2024 World Chess Championship approaches, the chess community is buzzing with predictions. Based on the latest betting odds, Gukesh is given approximately a 66% chance of winning, while Ding's chances are estimated at around 40.8%. Given Gukesh's recent dominance, it is not surprising that he is widely viewed as the favorite by experts and top players alike.
Magnus Carlsen, the former world champion, is among those who consider Gukesh the favorite. In an interview with ChessBase India, he acknowledged some vulnerability in Gukesh's game but noted that the young Indian was very dominant at the Olympiad. "Obviously, Gukesh is a significant favorite," the World No. 1 said. "This is one of those matches where if Gukesh strikes first, he will win the match without any trouble." However, Carlsen believes that if the match continues without a decisive game, it will favor Ding, who has the ability but lacks confidence. "Anything that can potentially give him that confidence could help him win that match," Carlsen suggested.
In an interview conducted by the Saint Louis Chess Club, Ray Robson, Wesley So, Lenier Dominguez, and Nakamura all named Gukesh as the clear favorite, particularly in light of Ding's recent unconvincing performances. Sam Shankland pointed out that the match outcome may hinge more on Ding's ability to regain his form rather than on Gukesh, who is obviously on the rise: “The real question is, can he [Ding] get his health and shape back in order? If he can bring back his form from a few years ago, I believe he was the second-best player in the world and could still be if he can bring that same version of himself.”
Even Garry Kasparov has joined the consensus, stating, “The way Ding has been playing lately is a shadow of the old Ding we all remember. If he can recover miraculously, then it will be an interesting fight.”
When it comes to predictions for a World Championship match, the opinions of former championship challengers are particularly noteworthy. Fabiano Caruana offered deeper and unique insights regarding the upcoming match, stating that while Gukesh has been stronger than Ding in recent years, a championship match will feel different for the young Indian:
“Although Gukesh plays very well and sometimes dominantly, like at the Olympiad, I don't think it's possible to dominate a World Championship match. We saw this last Championship when Ian was winning game two, and then we thought, 'Okay, he's just going to win.' But then something strange happens. That's what happens when you put pressure on people.”(Caruana, October 27, 2024, interview, Saint Louis Chess Club)
Ultimately, the consensus favors Gukesh as the clear favorite unless Ding Liren can rediscover the form that once made him a top contender. With both players capable of extraordinary play, chess enthusiasts are in for an exciting spectacle as they vie for the world crown.
Historical Significance
The 2024 World Chess Championship marks a historic milestone as it is the first championship match ever to feature two contenders from Asia. Throughout the history of the championship, which includes more than 60 matches, none have showcased players from the Asian continent competing for the title. This year’s championship represents an important shift in the landscape of competitive chess by bringing together reigning champion Ding Liren from China and rising star Gukesh Dommaraju from India.
Photo by © Jurriaan Hoefsmit – Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024 / Round 3 Gallery
Ding Liren has already made history by becoming the first World Chess Champion from China. His win in the 2023 World Championship against Ian Nepomniachtchi has had a profound impact on the popularity of the game in his home country and inspired a new generation of players, contributing to the growth of chess culture across Asia.
On the other hand, Gukesh has the opportunity to secure a second World Championship title for India, further enhancing the already rich chess interest and culture in the country. World No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura highlighted the cultural importance of a potential Gukesh victory:
“I tend to think about things in a way where everything happens for a reason. If we are objective about the situation, a Ding win would be very bad for chess with all the interest in India at the moment. I think that Ding would perhaps set chess back by two or four years.” (Nakamura, October 27, 2024, interview, Saint Louis Chess Club).
The emergence of Indian youth in the chess world has captivated fans globally, with young Grandmasters like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and Raunak Sadhwani establishing themselves as formidable competitors. If Gukesh clinches the World Championship title, he is likely to inspire a new wave of talent and enthusiasm in the Indian chess community.
Schedule and Venue
The 2024 World Chess Championship match will be held in Singapore, marking the second time the World Championship has been hosted in Southeast Asia, the first being in Baguio in 1978. The event will take place at Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort located on the island of Sentosa, off Singapore’s southern coast.
The championship will consist of 14 classical games, scheduled from November 25 to December 12, with four rest days in between. Should the match require tiebreaks, they will be played on December 13. Each game starts at 17:00 local time (GMT+8), with rest days following Games 3, 6, 9, and 12.
Here is the full schedule for the championship:
|
November 23 Opening Ceremony |
November 25 Game 1 |
November 26 Game 2 |
November 27 Game 3 |
November 28 Rest Day |
|
November 29 Game 4 |
November 30 Game 5 |
December 1 Game 6 |
December 2 Rest Day |
December 3 Game 7 |
|
December 4 Game 8 |
December 5 Game 9 |
December 6 Rest Day |
December 7 Game 10 |
December 8 Game 11 |
|
December 9 Game 12 |
December 10 Rest Day |
December 11 Game 13 |
December 12 Game 14 |
December 13 Tiebreaks (if needed) |
The Biggest Sponsorship for WCC Ever by Google
This year marks a pivotal moment for the World Chess Championship, not just culturally but also in terms of sponsorship. For the first time ever, a leading global technology company, Google, has been announced as the title sponsor of the championship.
Google's interest in chess isn't new. In 2017, the tech giant developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence program called AlphaZero, which considerably outperformed the reigning chess engine - Stockfish. This event was revolutionary and significantly influenced the development of chess engines overall.
Now, in 2024, Google is returning to the chess scene as the championship's sponsor. In this role, the company will provide not only a substantial financial investment but also enhance the championship's visibility through innovative technologies, including Google Search and various algorithms. With Google as a partner, the 2024 World Chess Championship is set to reach new heights, attracting a wider audience and elevating the profile of chess on the global stage.
New Regulations to Encourage More Decisive Games
For the 2024 edition of the World Chess Championship, FIDE has implemented a new set of regulations designed to encourage players to pursue more decisive outcomes in their matches.
One of the primary changes involves how the $2.5 million prize fund is distributed. Specifically, players will earn $200,000 for each game they win, while the remainder of the prize fund will be split equally. In case the match progresses to tiebreaks, the prize split will be very close, with the winner receiving $1.3 million and the runner-up taking home $1.2 million. This is a significant shift from previous championships which did not offer bonuses for individual wins. Historically, the match winner would simply receive 60% of the prize fund, with the runner-up getting 40%, unless the contest was decided by tiebreaks, which then shifted to a 55:45 split.
Another crucial change is the faster time controls for both the classical and rapid portions of the match. In classical games, players will now have 2 hours for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, along with a 30-second increment starting from move 41. Compare it to the previous matches, where players were granted an additional 60 minutes at move 40 and 15 minutes at move 60, with an increment introduced from move 61.
The tiebreak system has also been restructured to favor shorter games, taking player preferences into account. Following consultations with both competitors, FIDE announced a revised format for tiebreaks that introduces a gradual decrease in time controls. The playoffs will begin with 15-minute rapid games accompanied by a 10-second increment, as opposed to the previous format of 25+10 rapid games. If necessary, the tiebreaks will continue with even shorter rapid games and eventually transition to blitz formats.
Photo by FIDE / Official Announcement
These changes to the match structure are expected to enhance the viewing experience for fans and promote more decisive outcomes, aligning with Google’s commitment to increasing the visibility of the championship event.
Where and How to Watch the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship Match
The match will be broadcasted by the major chess platforms like Chess.com and Lichess.org alongside the official broadcast by FIDE. Once the match gets closer, dedicated links will become available for watching the event.
The event will be featured on the top of Chessify’s livestreaming page as well so you can easily find it when the games start. As always, we’ll be providing the most powerful cloud analysis with Stockfish 17 along with the games.