The chess world is buzzing with one incredible story: 16-year-old Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra has just made history. In a stunning upset at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Mishra did the unthinkable—he defeated the reigning World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, in a classical game.

This isn’t just a win; it’s a seismic shift. With this victory, Mishra officially became the youngest player ever to defeat a reigning World Chess Champion in a classical game, shattering a record that had stood for over three decades.

Let’s dive into this historic moment and what it means for the future of chess.

A Record-Breaking Win That Shook the Chess World

The match was a nail-biter, but Mishra’s composure belied his age. His victory isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a milestone for the sport.

• He Shattered a 33-Year-Old Record: Mishra eclipsed the previous record set by Gata Kamsky back in 1992. For 33 years, that feat stood unchallenged, until now.
• A Defining Moment for a New Generation: This was more than a game; it was a symbolic passing of the torch. The match pitted two young titans—both products of chess’s new digital era—against each other, signaling that the next generation is here to claim the throne.
• Global Headlines: The win captured international attention, making headlines from Chess.com to the Financial Times, and rightfully so.

The Prodigy’s Path: Who is Abhimanyu Mishra?

If Mishra’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been breaking records for years.

• The Youngest Grandmaster in History: Long before this win, Mishra was a record-holder. He earned the Grandmaster title at the astonishing age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, breaking a record previously held by Sergey Karjakin.
• A History of Firsts: He also held the title of youngest International Master, a testament to a career spent consistently ahead of the curve.

Why This Victory is So Monumental

Beating a world champion is every chess player’s dream. Doing it at 16 is the stuff of legend.

• A Rare Feat of Skill and Nerve: defeating an incumbent champion in the classical format is a rare accomplishment that separates the good from the truly great. It requires not just skill, but immense psychological fortitude.
• The Confidence of a Champion: Perhaps most telling was Mishra’s reaction after the game. He stated, “I never felt like I was inferior to these players… I am at par with them.” This self-belief, rare in someone so young, is the mark of a future champion.

What’s Next for the Chess Prodigy?

This historic win is likely just the beginning. All eyes are now on Mishra’s next moves. Will this victory propel him into the 2026 Candidates Tournament? Could a future World Championship match be on the horizon?

His journey continues at the upcoming 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa, and the entire chess world will be watching.