Viswanathan Anand Discusses R. Praggnanandhaa’s Prospects at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus
Viswanathan Anand Previews FIDE Candidates 2026: R. Praggnanandhaa Set to Shine in Cyprus
Last Updated: March 17, 2026, 14:11 IST
In an exciting lead-up to the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, chess legend Viswanathan Anand has shared insights on R. Praggnanandhaa, the sole Indian competitor in the men’s section. Scheduled to commence on March 28 in Cyprus, the tournament will feature eight elite players vying for the chance to challenge reigning world champion D. Gukesh later this year.
Anand, who also serves as vice-president of FIDE, acknowledged that while Praggnanandhaa may have shown signs of slowing down recently, he appears highly motivated and ready to peak at the right moment. “He is experienced, but at the same time, he looks very motivated. He has slowed down a little bit in the last few months, but maybe mentally he is already peaking and getting ready for the Candidates,” Anand remarked.
The competition will be fierce, with formidable opponents such as Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Anish Giri in the mix. Anand expressed that predicting a winner is challenging, given the caliber of players involved. “I think Fabi, Hikaru, Anish… this has got to be their time, so they will have that feeling going into it that this is a chance to grab,” he said, hinting at the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Cyprus has garnered attention as the host venue, particularly due to its proximity to the ongoing Gulf conflict. This backdrop has raised security concerns, leading Indian stalwart Koneru Humpy to consider withdrawing from the women’s section of the tournament, where three Indian players will compete against reigning champion Ju Wenjun.
As the chess world eagerly anticipates the start of the Candidates, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa. Will he rise to the occasion and challenge Gukesh for the title? With Anand’s endorsement and a fierce determination, the young prodigy is poised to make his mark on the global chess stage.