In a stunning display of chess brilliance, 16-year-old American Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra has etched his name into the annals of chess history by defeating the reigning world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, in the fifth round of the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss tournament.
Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this upset not only highlights the rising tide of young talent in chess but also marks Mishra as the youngest player ever to beat a sitting world champion in a classical game.
The Match: A 61-Move Thriller
Playing with the white pieces, Mishra faced off against Gukesh in a Giuoco Piano opening, a quiet Italian game that quickly escalated into a complex battle.
The game unfolded with Mishra maintaining pressure throughout, capitalizing on Gukesh’s overextension in the middlegame.
After 61 intense moves, Gukesh resigned, handing Mishra the victory. This win came as part of a round filled with surprises, including top seed R. Praggnanandhaa’s loss to Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum.
Chess enthusiasts on social media erupted in excitement, with posts hailing the clash as a “battle of the youngest icons.”
One X user described it as a “wild encounter,” emphasizing Mishra’s merit-driven triumph.
Videos of the game analysis quickly went viral, showcasing key moments like Mishra’s precise endgame maneuvers.
Breaking Records: Mishra’s Meteoric Rise
Abhimanyu Mishra, of Indian origin and representing the United States, is no stranger to shattering records. At just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days old, he became the youngest Grandmaster in history back in 2021. Now, at 16 years and 7 months, he has surpassed previous benchmarks set by legends like Gata Kamsky (who defeated Garry Kasparov at 17) and Magnus Carlsen (who beat Viswanathan Anand at 18).
This victory places him atop a prestigious list of young prodigies who have toppled world champions, including recent feats by Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Praggnanandhaa, and even Gukesh himself during his 2024 championship win against Ding Liren.
Mishra’s performance in the tournament has been nothing short of sensational, positioning him as a strong contender for one of the spots in the upcoming Candidates Tournament. His Elo rating of around 2611 going into the event belies his tactical acumen and composure under pressure.
Gukesh’s Setback: A Bump in the Champion’s Road
For 18-year-old Gukesh D, the youngest world champion ever after his 2024 triumph over Ding Liren, this loss represents a rare stumble.
Rated at 2767, Gukesh entered the Grand Swiss as a favorite but faced an inspired opponent in Mishra. Analysts noted that Gukesh’s aggressive style, which has served him well in the past, backfired here, leading to a “scathing blow” as described by some media outlets.
Despite the defeat, Gukesh remains a dominant force, and this game could serve as valuable experience ahead of future defenses of his title.
The Bigger Picture: Youth Revolution in Chess
This match underscores the ongoing youth revolution in chess, where teenagers are not just competing but dominating at the highest levels. Indian-origin players like Mishra, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa continue to inspire a new generation, blending strategic depth with fearless play.
The FIDE Grand Swiss, a key qualifier for the World Championship cycle, has already seen its share of piece sacrifices and upsets this year, making it one of the most exciting events on the calendar.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Mishra to see if he can maintain this momentum. For chess fans, this victory is a reminder that the game is evolving rapidly, with prodigies rewriting history one move at a time.
What do you think—could Mishra be the next world champion contender? Share your thoughts in the comments!
@Phalguni
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