I was rooting for Ding the whole way through, but, seeing Ian’s reaction. His shaking hands, his exasperated sigh as he sat up then slumped in pure exhaustion and devastation, it was utterly heartbreaking. Im so happy for Ding, i love that the guy i was rooting for won, but the soul crushing display of Ian’s emotional state was truly felt

Game 1 accuracy Nepo 97.3%, ding 97.1% Game 2 both 98.2% Game 3 ding 99.2%, nepo 99.7% Crazy stuff🤯

The video were Nepo’s hands were shaking and the pieces dropped absolutely broke my heart. Congratulations to Ding for a phenomenal series and to Nepo, keep your head up high, and come back next year!

absolute balls of steel from Ding to reject the draw by repetition when down on the clock and with so little time left. insane moment. the dramaturgy of this match was unbelievable and the finale was worthy of the series.

This championship is as iconic as Levy's ability to make his opponents resign with his spine chilling stare

Ding's journey is just incredible. From being unable to qualify for the candidates, to playing tournaments for a month straight to be a replacement candidate, to scraping second place, to second place being enough when Magnus gave up his title, to being down a point for most of the classical games, to playing that rook move with 1 minute on the clock. He didn't sacrifice the rook but it sure felt like it. Fair to say he deserves it.

I mean really this was such a miracle of a run. I was initially disappointed that Magnus wasn't gonna play in this world championship, but good LORD did Ding and Nepo give us the most incredible fight of all time! Congradulations to Ding for winning the world championship and respect to Nepo for having such a good fight.

I loved when ding said "it's ding chilling time" and ding chillinged all over the board

From barely making it to the candidates and fighting visa issues, to fighting his way from dead last in the tournament to having to beat Hikaru to make it to 2nd, even in the match, his prep got leaked, he never had the lead and was pretty much always a game away from sudden death, to winning it all in the end, Ding’s story is amazing

I still remember Levy's video calling Ding the "Saddest Story In Chess" and yet it seems the stars aligned and Ding Liren despite all odds became World Champion. All I can say is congratulations 👏

I broke into tears when I saw the handshake in the rapid game 4. It was so tense. Both players were just absolutely throwing everything they had at each other. I felt the emotions that must have been going through both players heads. And the moment Ding put up his hand to shake Nepo's hand for a second time was just beautiful. It was a privelege to have been able to see this in real time.

Ding is amazing. Imagine Nepo comming back next time and finally winning the WC, that would be the most heroic and motivational thing ever.

I will forever remember Ian's shaking hands shoving the pieces off the table in the final few moments of the last one. I've been backing Ding since Game 1, but both the players have played so incredibly well. It was an amazing display of sportsmanship. What a time to be alive and to witness this :)

Two years back I would have never thought waking up at 3:00 a.m to watch a chess match, and it was totally worth it.

They should make a movie about Ding's insane journey though the candidates and the world championship: "Ding's Gambit"! Congrats Ding!

🕒 Timestamps🕒 0:48 Game 1 8:40 Game 2 14:30 Game 3 18:52 Game 4

Levy you were a protagonist on this world championship. You made it so entertaining to watch, I've been looking up for every recap every day. I appreciate your content so much, thank you very much for the time and dedication. And by the way I loved the thumbnails.

Ding's the hometown hero of our time. And I kid you not, we were born in the same room(so same birthday) and we grew up together in the same schools from elementary school all the way to high school. His personality and love for the game has never changed for the last 30 years. Growing up as his close friend, I have always been inspired by him doubling down on what you love. He IS my motivation and city's pride.

Ding's story of becoming a world champion is pretty amazing.

Congratulations to Ding for winning the World Championship! What a thrilling and emotional match it was.

Ding's disbelief when he realized he is World Champion was the most wholesome thing in a long time. 🙂

The way levy showed how much he loves the game when the 25:20 move is played is so inspiring, I wanna be just as excited when I see that move happen before I see it. Chess is a lifelong game and my time will come where I have my own realization about the game. Until then, ty levy for all the hype that this game deserves; I hope I can get to your level someday ;)

It’s frustrating hearing people say that Ding “isn’t the real champion”. Ding has no control over what Magnus does. No matter who won this tournament, they would’ve had to deal with that ridicule; forced to adopt the people’s neutered title. Ding is absolutely the champion. What is a champion? Going through the stress of the world championship, having much go wrong throughout this year and still fighting through to the bitter end. He beat Ian at his best. That’s a Champion. Magnus forfeited the title, he didn’t play. Maybe he would’ve won, but he didn’t. Put yourself in Dings shoes, working to the bone just for people to say “but yeah the other guy didn’t show up, so you’re the fake champion.” Infuriating. He has the title, he is the world champion. It’s a FIDE title, not a chess title. You don’t give someone credit if they don’t play.

It was so sad watching Ian at the end. His hands were trembling, he knocked over a bunch of pieces, and just had to get out of the room. I hope he gets some time to just thoroughly grieve this because that was a ROUGH loss.

25:19 Ding's brain be like: "I won't settle for a draw, let's end this 'til one of us falls!" Comeback is real💪

I felt Nepo's reaction when he lost in my bones, absolute heartbreak

Crazy to think Ding wasn't supposed to be in world chess championship at the start but he made it out and came on top, congratulations to the new chess champion 👏

Seeing how Ian broke down at the end with the pieces falling off the table looked heartbreaking for him Edit : Not a whole ass debate in the replies 💀 (also thanks for the likes, first time I engaged in commenting)

My heart tore in two when Nepo pushed the black pieces over in those last few seconds.... damn I feel for him. I love that damn guy. But there's no way I can feel bad for Ding winning.

I'm new here, and this series was such a roller coaster of emotions. The way you've presented theses game was so much fun! Congrats to both players!

Ding’s story is truly amazing,and so is Ian’s,both are unbelievably great at the game of Chess

It was really painful to see the look on Ian's face but I was all for Ding the entire time, GG to both of them and congrats to Ding. Probably the most intense chess match I've watched

Congrats to Ding Chilling for chilling his way into the WCC and then chilling all over Nepo, truly a moment in chess history

Levy thank you so much for making these world chess championship recap videos. They were by far my favorite chess videos I've seen and I've never been this excited over chess in my life. Thank you for all that you do.

Just wanna say thank you Levy for making chess competition a story that is fun to follow and watch. Also kudos to these fast recaps! :)

As much as I wanted Ding to win, watching Nepo lose was very heartbreaking. Congrats to both sides for putting up an amazing fight.

I cried watching this live, the heartbreak for Ian and the relief for Ding were visceral to witness... I love Levy's recaps because he manages to recapture and express all the emotions. What an unbelievable match.

Thanks for all the recaps Levy! It's been a great comprehensive way to follow the WCC. I know you get shit on for your shouting or 'over the top' reactions but it's exactly what makes these videos great for me. The game of chess can be very exciting if you're way into it but that doesn't change the fact that it's still 2 dudes or chicks around a board that play in silence. In terms of excitement outside of the game itself, it doesn't compare to a sport with an engaged crowd, that cheers, sings and yells whenever some spectacular move happens. Chess is very complicated so I really enjoy the fact that you are my crowd for these games, leading me into the excitement or tense moments which I still have a hard time to predict or understand. With football I can understand a counter, in MMA you just see when someone is rocked and almost down. This kind of engagement sometimes takes a little longer to settle in with chess, if you're

What I learnt is if ur bishop is absent, u need to COMPLIMENT it

Won't lie i feel for nepo, imagine making 2 finals and not bringing it home. But congrats to Ding he deserves it🎉

This is going to haunt Ian every night for the rest of his life, that one game where he had a clear victory and missed it must be heartbreaking

12:10 "i got mating ideas" 😏😏😏

The pain in Ians face when he realized it was over was soul crushing to watch. Congrats to Ding, but it's hard for me to feel happy or celebratory after seeing someone almost fall apart on camera.

Congratulations for both players! It was an amazing championship! Thanks Levy for your recaps and enthusiasm!

Ian’s reaction to Ding’s endgame honestly saddened me, happy for Ding but upset for Ian as well.

The meltdown tha appeared on ian face after resigning is a heart breaking moment as ding said in the conference. Even ding seemed to be sad

thanks so much Levi for making those very complex games both understandable, entertaining, and human. huge kudos! love most of your content but this series of recaps was definitely one of the best!

Gotham: Do you blunder your Queen? Me: ALWAYS!

I actually cried when Ding won. How did he pick himself up from the depth of despair after losing game 7 in spectacular fashion? What a gamer. I watched a chess match that wasn't really about chess. It was about perseverance and mental fortitude in the face of impending doom. What a match, what a fight!

Forget all this advanced chess, the biggest brain move was Portablejim finding a way to immortalize himself in one of Gotham's most significant videos

I've watched 3 world championships now, and this was by far the best one. Thank you Levy for your amazing energetic recaps, and thank you Ian and Ding for playing exciting dynamic chess.

It's been so fun following this WCC with your recaps. You're the actual world champion Levy

When I saw the last moment....I see Ian whole body cries except his eyes ... So heartbreaking ...even ding deserves it

NGL, Ian's reaction was heartbreaking after ding moved the pawn to a2. The way the pieces fell of the table by his hand, the way his hands were shaking, made my heart warm being a Die heart Ding fan 😭. Congrats to Ding for winning the World Chess Championship, and lots of love to Nepo ❤❤

The evaluation bar looking like a 100 elo game

Gotham didn't mention the fact the Qe2 was a brilliant move

BIG RESPECT FOR BOTH. Probably the craziest and most beautiful match in FIDE history!!!!🔥❤

From literally being last in the candidates at one point, to being world championship, his success is a wild story for the ages

I watched this live and my jaw was on the ground for minutes in the shocked, intense and crazy final moments. Really a brave decision by Ding, did not want to let go and went for it.

This was my first year watching competitive chess and it was such a wild ride. I was leaning Ian but Ding earned this title. Fought like hell and that last minute of play where you see Ding grasping that it’s gonna be his title and he just needs to hold on and Ian losing it and knocking pieces over, god what a scene

If you saw Ian moving the pieces off his hand and looking at the trophy, you've realised what pain of losing really feels like❤

It was so heartbreaking that Nepo just lost the WC. I was one of his fans and I am so sad but congratulations to Ding.

"so you gotta keep touching the rook otherwise rook takes durhdehehr-" -levy 2023

I'm so happy for Ding. His challenges with anxiety are very relatable.

Congratulations to Ding. But also congrats to Nepo for creating this amazing spectacle. Huge thanks to Fabi, Tania and Robert for an unforgettable and epic commentary to one of the most exciting matches in living memory. I think I speak for all when I say we are eternally grateful for this amazing display. I wanted Ding to win, but feel very sad for Ian, who also deserved it. Its one of those where you want both to win, but eventually one is crowned and one goes home heartbroken.

He might have been back a couple of times but he never lost his chill. Congrats to Ding, it was a well deserved victory, definitely an exciting World Championship. Respect to both of the players for playing soo beautifully

Ian composed himself well if you asked me. I broke $1000 worth of computer equipment over an exhibition game

Match 10 through the tie breaker were the first live Chess games Ive ever watched. And it was AMAZING!

The last game was so brutal ,heartbreaking for Nepo and Ding's miraculous entry to the WCC and him winning it is just so perfect

When Ding moved his rook to play for a win I swear I was holding my breath for hours.

Levy, thank you so much for your once again phenominal reporting on a major chess tournament. You make chess so much more fun and accessible through your videos. Sincere thanks!

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the hard work you put in doing those world chess championship recaps. You consistently knocked it put of the park; always entertaining, hilarious and educational. I hope you get some good rest after all that - and your “Get out of here”s at the end of videos always make me smile.

Congrats to both players for the hell of a show they put on the last couple weeks. None should feel ashamed, they both played their best.

The fact that Ding had the courage to play Rg6, to play for a win in the decisive game of the world championship, in rapid without a classical timebank to spend calculating, absolutely earned him this win in my eyes. I mean, he could have lost with that move! He had the option to just take the draw and go to the blitz games, but he risked it all! And people say that modern chess incentivizes people to choose to draw so much... Ding just became World Champion by choosing not to draw.

I remember it was you Levy, last year,, who said something about like everything was working towards Ding being a champion, like fate, the stars, etc despite Ding having a lot of obstacles like covid, restrictions, lack of qualifying games, travel problems etc, during his journey towards the candidates. You were truly correct

Only Levy could self-promote in the middle of the world chess championship

This was my first world championship. I was hooked all the way through. Rooting for Ding because of his demeanor and that incredible mating net in the first week. Im abit sad its come to an end but incredibly happy for Ding. Feel for Nepo he played some great chess himself. Won't forget this match in my lifetime.

"They drew lots, they drew out of a box" 0:54 This has a triple meaning We got to appriciate this man more! Edit: What the fuck... this blew up hard !!

"My pawn's hanging.... So... I'm gonna move it... World chess championship solved" 😂😂😂 #1 Chess KZfaqr for so many reasons.

I was hoping for Ding but I'm also so sorry for Ian, the last seconds were so heart breacking...

"They drew lots, they drew out of a box" 0:54 This has a triple meaning We got to appriciate this man more!

I went dark to avoid ANY spoilers for the winner, I charged my phone, and waited for Levy, this was incredible, INCREDIBLE!! Thanks for your coverage Levy, it’s a good day in Chess for everyone (except Nepo) Congrats to Ding, respect to Nepo!

Ian gazed through his right shoulder, trembling his hands and tumbling chess pieces, and resigned afterwards. He looked at the throphy for the last time because he knew he wouldn't touch it. It's one of those few moments where something is so close but yet so far.

The phrase "Cinderella Story" was invented for matches like this. Congrats to Ding, having snatched defeat, or at least a draw, from the jaws of victory in so many games, I honestly thought that he didn't have a chance, but I'm glad to see the underdog prevail.

Dings journey was SOOO crazy, if I were a producer I'd make a movie, this match was amazing and entertaining with all its plot twists and that nasty comeback arc. Phenomenal stuff

​“My only regret is that I did not play Magnus and Ian at the same time.” - King Liren

29:04 who’s that portablejim bottom right

Hey levy, just want to say your recaps of the WCC have been incredible! You make these games very exciting to watch. S tier content.

28:32 "What a video the next one will be" Such a goat man

I have been with Ding from the very beginning, but I can only sit and admire the absolute beauty of what both players have performed throughout the championship. Both of them truly deserve the crown

Nepo finally got properly dinged in the end.

From the live analysis they explained why he didn't take the pawn at 10:50 - black has Rb5, which would seal away the bishop. Black cannot take the rook because after the pawn recaptures the knight is trapped. It might be okay to have the bishop there, but it wouldn't be pleasant.

Massive congratulations to Ding, I was hoping he would win the whole time but that disappointment, that heart break on Nepo's face as he realised and shortly after resigned was devastating to watch

I loved the part where Ding said "It's Ding Chilling time" and Ding Chilled all over the chess board. Truly one of the chess moment of our generation.

Ding is really good about pulling crazy moves out of his behind. Congratulations!

This match was insane. I’m so happy Ding got the win as well

All the pieces getting pushed off the table when Ian recognised it was over was so shattering to see

The match ended less than an hour ago, Levy's ability to make these videos this fast is truly amazing, and congratulations to Ding, this WCC was a rollercoaster

First time I’ve seen Gotham less excited than was called for

This was a crazy finish! Congrats to Ding!