Everything You Need to Know About the World Championship Match

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Match Format and Schedule

• Dates: 25 November – 13 December 2024
• Location: Singapore
• Format: Best of 14 classical games. If tied after 14 games, rapid and blitz tiebreaks will decide the winner.
• Game Start Time: 10:00 AM Central European Time (CET)

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Ding Liren: The Reigning Champion

Ding Liren claimed the world title in a nail-biting victory over Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2023. Known for his calm demeanor and deep strategic understanding, Ding has delivered some unforgettable games throughout his career.

The Highlight of Ding's Career

One of Ding's most celebrated games was against Bai Jinshi. This masterpiece showcases his remarkable creativity and precision. You can replay this iconic game here on Lichess, and I’ve analyzed it in detail on my YouTube channel—watch my commentary here.

Current Form

Unfortunately, Ding has been struggling with inconsistent results in recent tournaments. However, he has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. Fans are hoping he can recapture the brilliance that crowned him World Champion.

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Gukesh: The Challenger

At just 18 years old, Gukesh D is already rewriting chess history. If he wins, he will become the youngest World Champion ever, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record.

Road to the Championship

Gukesh narrowly won the 2024 Candidates Tournament after an exhilarating finish, edging out seasoned competitors like Nepomniachtchi, Caruana, and Nakamura by just half a point. Relive one of his key Candidates games here on Lichess, and check out my commentary on these games on YouTube.

Olympiad Performance

Gukesh’s star truly shone at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, where he led Team India to victory with an astounding 3059 performance rating—the second-best in Olympiad history. I’ve analyzed several of his sensational Olympiad games here.

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Key Storylines to Watch

1. Experience vs. Youth: Ding Liren, 31, brings years of top-level experience, while Gukesh, 18, represents the next generation of chess superstars.
2. Pressure of Expectations: Ding defends his title with the weight of his legacy on the line, while Gukesh aims to cement his place in history.
3. Form and Momentum: Can Ding overcome his recent struggles? Will Gukesh maintain his meteoric rise?

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Follow the Match with Me!

I’ll be covering each game of the World Championship on my YouTube channel with detailed analysis and commentary. Be sure to subscribe to Linus Chess Channel to stay updated after every game.
Whether you’re rooting for the reigning champion or the rising star, this match is set to be a landmark event in chess history. Stay tuned for all the drama, strategy, and brilliance as Ding Liren and Gukesh battle it out for the ultimate crown!

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What are your predictions for the match? Let me know in the comments!