Chess Star Gukesh Beats Tax Records Too
In a country where cricket reigns supreme, D. Gukesh, India’s youngest world chess champion, is making headlines for more than just his moves on the chessboard. At just 18 years old, Gukesh not only conquered China’s Ding Liren to claim the World Chess Championship title but also outpaced MS Dhoni in one unexpected way—his tax bill.
Gukesh’s Historic Victory
The young prodigy etched his name into history by defeating Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14-round final held in Singapore. With a score of 7.5-6.5, he dethroned the reigning champion, adding his name to the illustrious list of chess legends. Breaking Garry Kasparov’s record, Gukesh is now the youngest ever world chess champion, a milestone that has put Indian chess firmly on the global map.
Tax Trouble Looms Large
With great victories come greater financial responsibilities. Gukesh’s winnings from the championship totaled a staggering ₹11.34 crore, out of which ₹5.04 crore came from match victories. However, this success comes at a cost: a whopping ₹4.67 crore tax bill. To put it into perspective, this amount is higher than MS Dhoni’s ₹4 crore salary for the IPL 2025 season with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Understanding the Taxation Math
India’s tax system places high earners in the 30% tax bracket, with additional surcharges for incomes above ₹5 crore. Combined with a 4% health and education cess, the effective tax rate for Gukesh stands at over 42%. While these taxes reflect his extraordinary earnings, they also underline the financial pressures faced by sportspeople outside cricket in India.
Chess First, Money Second
Despite his sudden rise to millionaire status, Gukesh remains grounded. “Money isn’t why I play chess,” he remarked in an interview. For him, the game is about passion and perseverance, not just financial rewards. His achievements are a testament to the growing prominence of chess in India, inspiring a new generation of players.
A New Chapter in Indian Chess
Gukesh’s story is not just about titles or taxes; it’s about reshaping the narrative of sports in India. With his remarkable journey, he has shown that chess can capture hearts and headlines, proving that brilliance knows no bounds.
