Anish Giri Questions the Relevance of the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship

Dutch GM Anish Giri Questions Relevance of FIDE World Junior Chess Championship

In a light-hearted jab at the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri has raised eyebrows with his assertion that the tournament may be outdated. Giri’s comments come in the wake of the remarkable achievements of reigning world champion D Gukesh and Candidates 2026 winner Javokhir Sindarov, both of whom are now 20 years old—an age that coincides with the tournament’s eligibility criteria.

The FIDE World Junior Chess Championship, an annual event designed for players under 20, features a rigorous 11-round Swiss system and includes both Open and Girls divisions. However, Giri’s humorous critique suggests that the championship may no longer serve its intended purpose, given that its top contenders have already graduated to the highest echelons of chess.

“I was thinking if FIDE will organize the World Junior Championship this year. Because I don’t think it’s necessary… Sindarov and Gukesh are both 20 years old — it’s a world junior age. This event is obsolete!” Giri quipped, as reported by RookReview.

Giri’s Performance at the Candidates

While Giri’s remarks have sparked discussions, his own performance at the Candidates 2026 tournament was a rollercoaster. After a shaky start marked by several draws and an early defeat, he rallied mid-tournament, notably defeating Fabiano Caruana in round nine. However, consistency eluded him in the latter stages, culminating in a draw against Wei Yi in round 12. Giri finished the tournament with a score of 8.5/14, securing second place behind the unbeaten Sindarov, who clinched victory with 9.5 points.

Despite his ups and downs, Giri’s resilience shone through as he briefly closed the gap to the top, only to be outclassed by Sindarov, who made history with his triumph.

The Future of Junior Chess

As the chess community reflects on Giri’s comments, the future of the World Junior Championship remains uncertain. Will FIDE adapt to the evolving landscape of chess, or will the tournament continue to hold its ground? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the chess world is watching closely.

First Published: April 19, 2026, 19:17 IST
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