A historic showdown is expected between Gukesh and Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship match in Singapore from November 20 to December 15, 2024. On Monday, FIDE made the announcement.
FIDE has announced that the World Chess Championship match between India’s young prodigy Gukesh and reigning champion Ding Liren will be held in Singapore later this year, in a thrilling announcement. The first time Singapore hosts a World Chess Championship match will be between November 20 and December 15, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time Singapore hosts a World Chess Championship match.
Gukesh, 18, who has been making waves in the chess world, will challenge China’s Ding Liren, aiming to become the youngest world champion. A substantial prize fund of 2.5 million dollars will be offered for this match, which will not only determine the world champion.
Singapore’s application was submitted on May 31, 2024, and the venues were inspected on June 11 and 12. The final decision on the exact location will be announced in due course, FIDE stated. The president of the organization, Arkady Dvorkovich, expressed his excitement, pointing out the vibrant chess community in Singapore and its global significance as a tourist and business destination.
The journey of Gukesh to this championship match has been historic. He became the youngest player ever to win the Candidates Tournament at just 17, earning his place to challenge the world champion. His remarkable feat has captivated the chess world and sparked excitement for the upcoming match.
New Delhi, Chennai, and Singapore were among the contenders to host the championship. The FIDE Council took several factors into consideration, including venue quality, broadcast rights, and the principle of neutrality. Despite Gukesh’s home advantage in either New Delhi or Chennai, Singapore’s bid stood out, balancing neutrality with other crucial elements.
Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, emphasized the importance of various factors in the decision-making process, including revenue potential from broadcast and commercial rights. He emphasized that while neutrality is essential, the overall package offered by the host city plays a significant role.
The choice of Singapore as the venue for this historic match marks a fresh chapter in the history of the World Chess Championship. Fans and players alike are excited about the potential of this event to raise the profile of chess globally.
The forthcoming World Chess Championship, featuring both Gukesh and Ding Liren at the top of their game, promises to be an epic chess battle. More updates will be provided as the final venue is announced and preparations begin for this monumental event in the world of chess.