FIDE World Chess Championship 2023: Ding Liren is the new world classical champion

In a stunning turn of events, GM Ding Liren has emerged victorious over GM Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final rapid tiebreak game of the 2023 FIDE World Championship, becoming the 17th world champion and the first-ever classical world champion from China. With his victory, Ding has ended the reign of GM Magnus Carlsen, who had held the title since 2013.

The match had been tied at 7-7 after a thrilling 14-game classical match, with the final outcome hinging on the final rapid game. Ding played sensationally with the Black pieces to secure the win, dedicating the victory to his friends, mother, and grandfather.

Record-Breaking Viewership

The match was watched by millions of viewers worldwide, with the peak viewership on Chess.com hitting a record-breaking 441,000 viewers. Ding’s victory has sparked excitement and enthusiasm among chess players and fans alike, with many hoping that it will encourage a new generation of players to play more ambitiously with Black.

Despite the odds being against him, Ding showed incredible resilience and determination throughout the match, making bold moves and demonstrating his skill and strategic thinking. His victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game, and he will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest chess players of all time.

In the end, Ding’s victory is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing our passions and dreams, even in the face of adversity. As Ding himself said, “The meaning of life should be in those special, sparkling moments.”