By Samannay Biswas
India鈥檚 rising chess sensation D Gukesh continues to rewrite history 鈥 and his financial profile. The 19-year-old grandmaster, who became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in December 2024, now boasts an estimated net worth exceeding Rs 21 crore (approx. $2.5 million). His rise combines elite tournament performances, global endorsements, and increasing brand value 鈥 and his recent win over Magnus Carlsen has only amplified his stardom. At the Grand Chess Tour, Gukesh delivered one of his most talked-about victories. In Round 6, he stunned World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the rapid format, marking his fifth consecutive win in the tournament and taking the sole lead on the leaderboard. The upset was particularly dramatic as Carlsen had made a dismissive pre-match remark, claiming he would approach the game 鈥渁s if playing a weaker opponent鈥. The comment backfired as Gukesh responded with a clinical, strategic takedown, drawing global praise for both his composure and performance. This win follows his historic triumph in Singapore, where he edged out China鈥檚 Ding Liren 7.5鈥6.5 in a 14-game final to become the youngest World Chess Champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov鈥檚 record. His success has ignited widespread excitement, not just in sporting circles but among investors and brands eager to capitalise on his rising profile. In 2024 alone, Gukesh earned an estimated Rs 13.6 crore in prize money, with Rs 5.07 crore (roughly $600,000) coming directly from the World Chess Championship match. Additional winnings across the year pushed his total tournament earnings close to Rs 11.45 crore, establishing him as one of the highest-earning chess players in the world. Brand endorsements are now a key revenue stream. Gukesh has reportedly signed multiple ambassadorial deals, with each said to fetch around Rs 60 lakh. With a clean public image, intellectual appeal, and cross-generational fan base, marketing experts view him as a long-term brand asset. Beyond cash, Gukesh has earned recognition and rewards, including a Mercedes-Benz E-Class from his alma mater Velammal Vidyalaya, valued at Rs 87 lakh to Rs 1.05 crore 鈥 a luxury nod to his global stature. A spokesperson from the All India Chess Federation commented, 鈥淕ukesh’s achievements have reshaped Indian chess. His talent and humility make him a perfect ambassador for the game鈥檚 future 鈥 and a commercial powerhouse in his own right.鈥 Gukesh鈥檚 journey began at six, and by age twelve, he was one of the youngest grandmasters in history. Under the mentorship of India鈥檚 chess legends and structured coaching support, he rose through the ranks with speed and consistency. His recent victories and marketability make him not only the new face of Indian chess, but a symbol of how intellectual sports can lead to global fame and financial independence. With his net worth firmly in the eight-figure range, D Gukesh is poised for further dominance 鈥 both on and off the chessboard. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Companies, Business Economy and around the world.