Top five youngest winners in FIDE World Chess Championship history

The title of World Chess Champion is regarded as one of the most esteemed accolades in the realm of sports. Although numerous champions have emerged after years of intense competition, a distinguished few have achieved this honor at remarkably young ages. From Magnus Carlsen, who astonished the global chess community by securing the championship title at the age of 22 to Mikhail Tal, renowned for his audacious and fearless approach to the game at 23, exemplify that age does not impede the pursuit of excellence in chess.

In this article, let’s examine the five youngest individuals to have ever secured the title of FIDE World Chess Champion.

5. Anatoly Karpov (Russia) – Age 23 years, 10 months, and 8 days

Anatoly Karpov became the World Champion in 1975, achieving this milestone at the age of 23 years, 10 months, and 8 days, following Bobby Fischer's decision not to defend his title under the conditions set by FIDE.

Karpov's meticulous and systematic approach established him as a powerful competitor, and he held the World Chess Championship title for much of the 1970s and 1980s. His competition with Viktor Korchnoi and his multiple title defenses significantly shaped the chess environment of that period.

4. Mikhail Tal (Latvia, then Soviet Union) – Age 23 years, 1 month, and 2 days

Mikhail Tal ascended to the title of the 8th World Chess Champion in 1960, achieving this remarkable feat at the age of 23 years, 1 month, and 2 days, which made him the youngest individual to hold the World Champion title at that time. 

 Tal’s unorthodox, attacking style, full of sacrificial brilliance, earned him the nickname “The Magician from Riga.” His victory over Mikhail Botvinnik was a key moment in chess history, and the dynamic style of his play remains a source of admiration among chess enthusiasts today.

3. Magnus Carlsen (Norway) – Age 22 years, 357 days

In 2013, Magnus Carlsen etched his name in history by securing the FIDE World Chess Championship at the age of 22 years and 357 days. He achieved a commanding 5-3 victory over the reigning champion Viswanathan Anand in Chennai, India.

He became the youngest World Chess Champion of the 21st century in 2013. His victory marked the beginning of a new era in chess, and Carlsen subsequently established his dominance over the chess community for nearly a decade.

2. Garry Kasparov (Russia) – Age 22 years, 210 days

Garry Kasparov, frequently considered the greatest chess player of all time, became the World Chess Champion at the remarkably young age of 22 years and 210 days, following his victory over Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

This victory marked the beginning of an era of dominance for Kasparov in the world of chess, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, thereby cementing his status as one of the most significant personalities in the history of the sport.

1. Dommaraju Gukesh (India) — Age 18 years, 6 months, and 14 days

India's 18-year-old Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, breaking Garry Kasparov's previous record. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating China's Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship.

The Indian grandmaster triumphed over Ding in the final classical match, achieving the necessary 7.5 points compared to the Chinese GM's 6.5.

Cover Credits - FIDE