Gukesh Dommaraju: From Chessboard To Billboards, Historic Win Opens Door To Big-Endorsement Deals

Last Updated:December 13, 2024, 13:00 IST

Gukesh Dommaraju World Chess Championship: The chess prodigy has been a rising star ever since he became a Grandmaster at 12.

Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh clinched the title with a score of 7.5-6.5, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record, who won the championship at the age of 22.

Gukesh Dommaraju World Chess Championship

A Prodigy’s Rise to the Top

The chess prodigy has been a rising star ever since he became a Grandmaster at the age of 12. Earlier this year, Gukesh earned the distinction of being the youngest challenger to the world crown by triumphing in the Candidates Tournament.

Brands Eye New Opportunities in Chess

Gukesh’s triumph is expected to open up new opportunities for endorsements in the chess space, a market that has seen limited representation so far, according to a report by Moneycontrol.

Following in the Footsteps of Viswanathan Anand

This landmark victory places Gukesh alongside Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion who last held the title in 2013. It also marks a resurgence for Indian chess, drawing significant attention from brands and sponsors, it added.

Anand, who paved the way for Indian chess, has endorsed brands like Parle Milk Shakti, Fincare Small Finance Bank, Vodafone, and Crocin. Talent managers believe Gukesh could similarly attract major brand deals, the report added.

Potential for Long-Term Endorsements

Neerav Tomar, MD of IOS Sports and Entertainment, said 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.

Chess’s Growing Marketability in India

Indranil Blah, a sports and athlete brand consultant, highlighted that chess’s growing popularity in India makes it an attractive area for brands seeking to move beyond cricket. However, he noted that the endorsement market for chess is still in its infancy, with few players signed by sports talent agencies.

A Multi-Crore Reward

The financial rewards from the championship were substantial, with Gukesh reportedly earning Rs 11.45 crore ($1.35 million) out of the total prize pool of $2.5 million (Rs 21.21 crore), according to a report by Times of India.

Each game victory brought Rs 1.69 crore ($200,000), with Gukesh winning three games. His opponent Ding Liren earned Rs 3.38 crore ($400,000) for his two wins, while the remaining prize money was split between the two players.

Ending a 12-Year Title Drought for India, The Future of India’s Chess Sensation

Gukesh’s championship win also ended a 12-year title drought for India, making him only the 18th player in history to claim the World Chess Championship.

Following Gukesh’s win, business leaders, including Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, congratulated him, with Vembu expressing his pride and optimism for India’s rise in advanced fields, stating, “We have the young and driven talent to do it!” on X.

Gukesh’s victory is not only a monumental achievement for Indian chess but also a potential game-changer for the sport’s marketability in the country. Brands, sponsors, and fans are now eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead for this teenage chess sensation.