16-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Makes History: Youngest Player Ever To Beat Reigning World Champion
Abhimanyu Mishra's Historic Victory Over Gukesh Dommaraju at 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss
Gukesh Dommaraju fell to Abhimanyu Mishra, who is unbeaten in 61 classical games. Photo: Michal Walusza/FIDE.
In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the chess world, 16-year-old Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra has become the youngest player in history to defeat a reigning World Champion in classical chess. The American prodigy toppled World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in round five of the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Standings
GM Arjun Erigaisi is the only favorite within half a point of leader Maghsoodloo after a day of shocks in Samarkand.
FIDE Grand Swiss Standings After Round 5
Breaking a 33-Year Record
Mishra's victory shatters a record that stood for 33 years, previously held by GM Gata Kamsky who beat Garry Kasparov in 1991 at age 17. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is Mishra's current 61-game unbeaten streak in classical chess—a testament to his incredible form and mental fortitude.
The Game That Made History
The decisive moment came early when Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, made a critical error on move 12 by pushing his g-pawn instead of his h-pawn. This strategic misstep gave Mishra a winning position that he eventually converted, despite some nervous moments along the way.
Key Match Details:
Players: GM Abhimanyu Mishra (2611) vs. GM Gukesh Dommaraju (2767)
Result: 1-0
Event: FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, Round 5
Location: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Tournament Implications
While Mishra made headlines, Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo maintained his sole leadership position with 4.5/5 after defeating GM Richard Rapport. The tournament saw multiple upsets, with top-seed Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu falling to GM Matthias Bluebaum and GM Vincent Keymer losing to GM Marc'Andria Maurizzi.
What This Means for Chess
Mishra's victory represents more than just a single game win—it signals the continued democratization of elite chess. As GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave noted about the new generation: "They get better quicker, but then they sort of reach a ceiling." Mishra appears to be breaking through that ceiling at just 16 years old.
“They get better quicker, but then they sort of reach a ceiling.”
