Why Candidates Matter?

The event, which over the course of a fortnight will determine the challenger to reigning world champion D Gukesh in this year’s World Championship match, will feature eight players competing in a double round-robin format.

What Is The Format?

Each player will face every other participant twice, and the one with the highest total points will earn the right to compete for the world title.

Who Are The Favourites In The Open Category?

On recent form, American GM Fabiano Caruana appears to be the favourite, ahead of compatriot Hikaru Nakamura, who qualified by rating. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri has also been in strong form and is one to watch; if he builds momentum, he will be a formidable contender.

Wei Yi of China, Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan, Andrey Esipenko, and Matthias Bluebaum are the other four players in what is expected to be one of the most keenly contested and widely followed tournaments of the year.

For Praggnanandhaa, the lead-up to the Candidates has not been entirely smooth. However, the Indian should feel refreshed after a well-deserved long break. Since the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in February, the young Grandmaster has not played any competitive chess, instead focusing on preparation for this event with his team.

After an impressive 2025, in which he qualified for the Candidates by finishing as the top performer on the FIDE circuit, the latter part of the year saw an unusual dip in Praggnanandhaa’s form, a trend that continued into the Tata Steel Masters earlier this year.

The Indian will be hoping to turn the tide and make things unfold according to his plans.

The dark horse of the event is the youngest participant, Sindarov, who surprised everyone by winning the Chess World Cup in Goa late last year. Sindarov possesses both the acumen and the fighting spirit to go the distance, and although this is his first Candidates appearance, the Uzbek will be raring to go.

Wei Yi can be tricky, but much will depend on how many games he manages to win. Along with Giri, the Chinese Grandmaster is a great defender and known for his solidity. Esipenko may not be regarded as a major favourite in this field, but he remains a dangerous opponent on his day. Meanwhile, the lowest-ranked participant, Bluebaum, is clearly the outsider, though he has been a consistent performer.

Who Are The Participants In The Women’s Category?

In the women’s section, former women’s world champion Tan Zhongyi of China appears to have an edge over the rest, but this field could prove equally unpredictable.

Following the withdrawal of two-time world rapid champion Koneru Humpy due to security concerns, Anna Muzychuk — last year’s Norway Chess winner — has replaced the Indian. However, all eyes will be on Divya Deshmukh, who won the Women’s World Cup in 2025.

R Vaishali is the other Indian in the fray, and she is known as a fearless warrior who craves only victories.

Zhu Jiner is another player to watch, as she has a reputation for troubling even the very best. Bibisara Assaubayeva has also established herself as a fierce competitor.

The two remaining Russian flag-bearers, the seasoned Kateryna Lagno and Alexandra Goryachkina, are both capable of winning this event if their past results are any indication.

Indian Players Schedule At Candidates Tournament 2026:

DateRoundMatch 1Match 2Match 3

March 29Round 1R Praggnanandhaa vs Anish GiriDivya Deshmukh vs Anna MuzychukVaishali R vs Bibisara Assaubayeva

March 30Round 2Wei Yi vs PraggnanandhaaDivya vs Vaishali–

March 31Round 3Praggnanandhaa vs Javokhir SindarovVaishali vs MuzychukAleksandra Goryachkina vs Divya

April 1Round 4Matthias Blubaum vs PraggnanandhaaDivya vs Zhu JinerVaishali vs Goryachkina

April 2–Rest Day––

April 3Round 5Praggnanandhaa vs Andrey EsipenkoZhu Jiner vs VaishaliTan Zhongyi vs Divya

April 4Round 6Hikaru Nakamura vs PraggnanandhaaKateryna Lagno vs VaishaliAssaubayeva vs Divya

April 5Round 7Praggnanandhaa vs Fabiano CaruanaDivya vs LagnoVaishali vs Tan Zhongyi

April 6–Rest Day––

April 7Round 8Giri vs PraggnanandhaaMuzychuk vs DivyaAssaubayeva vs Vaishali

April 8Round 9Praggnanandhaa vs Wei YiVaishali vs Divya–

April 9Round 10Sindarov vs PraggnanandhaaMuzychuk vs VaishaliDivya vs Goryachkina

April 10–Rest Day––

April 11Round 11Praggnanandhaa vs BlubaumZhu Jiner vs DivyaGoryachkina vs Vaishali

April 12Round 12Esipenko vs PraggnanandhaaVaishali vs Zhu JinerDivya vs Tan Zhongyi

April 13–Rest Day––

April 14Round 13Caruana vs PraggnanandhaaLagno vs DivyaTan Zhongyi vs Vaishali

April 15Round 14Praggnanandhaa vs NakamuraVaishali vs LagnoDivya vs Assaubayeva

April 16–Tiebreaks (if required)Tiebreaks (if required)Tiebreaks (if required)

What Is The Prize Pool?

Candidates Matter: The Road to the World Chess Championship

As the chess world gears up for the highly anticipated Candidates Tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Over the next fortnight, eight elite players will compete in a double round-robin format, all vying for the chance to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh in this year’s World Championship match.

The Format: A Battle of Wits

In this intense competition, each player will face every other participant twice. The player with the highest total points at the end of the tournament will earn the coveted right to compete for the world title. This format not only tests the players’ strategic skills but also their endurance and adaptability, making every match crucial.

Favourites in the Open Category

American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana has emerged as a frontrunner, showcasing impressive form leading up to the tournament. Close behind him is compatriot Hikaru Nakamura, who qualified by rating. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri is another player to watch; if he gains momentum, he could become a formidable contender.

The field also includes Wei Yi from China, Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan, Andrey Esipenko, and Matthias Bluebaum. This lineup promises one of the most fiercely contested tournaments of the year.

Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, who qualified as the top performer on the FIDE circuit in 2025, is looking to bounce back after a dip in form. Having taken a break since the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in February, he is focused on preparation and eager to turn the tide in his favor.

The youngest participant, Sindarov, is considered a dark horse after his surprising victory at the Chess World Cup in Goa last year. With a fierce fighting spirit, he is ready to make his mark in his first Candidates appearance.

Women’s Category: A Competitive Landscape

In the women’s section, former world champion Tan Zhongyi of China is seen as a strong contender. However, the field remains unpredictable, especially after the withdrawal of two-time world rapid champion Koneru Humpy due to security concerns. Anna Muzychuk, last year’s Norway Chess winner, has stepped in to fill the gap.

All eyes will also be on Divya Deshmukh, the 2025 Women’s World Cup winner, and R Vaishali, known for her fearless approach to the game. Zhu Jiner and Bibisara Assaubayeva are other players to watch, while seasoned Russian players Kateryna Lagno and Alexandra Goryachkina are both capable of clinching the title based on their past performances.

Indian Players’ Schedule at the Candidates Tournament 2026

The tournament kicks off with an exciting schedule for Indian players:

• March 29: Praggnanandhaa vs. Anish Giri; Divya Deshmukh vs. Anna Muzychuk; Vaishali R vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva
• March 30: Wei Yi vs. Praggnanandhaa; Divya vs. Vaishali
• March 31: Praggnanandhaa vs. Javokhir Sindarov; Vaishali vs. Muzychuk; Aleksandra Goryachkina vs. Divya
• April 1: Matthias Bluebaum vs. Praggnanandhaa; Divya vs. Zhu Jiner; Vaishali vs. Goryachkina
• April 2: Rest Day
• April 3: Praggnanandhaa vs. Andrey Esipenko; Zhu Jiner vs. Vaishali; Tan Zhongyi vs. Divya
• April 4: Hikaru Nakamura vs. Praggnanandhaa; Kateryna Lagno vs. Vaishali; Assaubayeva vs. Divya
• April 5: Praggnanandhaa vs. Fabiano Caruana; Divya vs. Lagno; Vaishali vs. Tan Zhongyi
• April 6: Rest Day
• April 7: Giri vs. Praggnanandhaa; Muzychuk vs. Divya; Assaubayeva vs. Vaishali
• April 8: Praggnanandhaa vs. Wei Yi; Vaishali vs. Divya
• April 9: Sindarov vs. Praggnanandhaa; Muzychuk vs. Vaishali; Divya vs. Goryachkina
• April 10: Rest Day
• April 11: Praggnanandhaa vs. Blubaum; Zhu Jiner vs. Divya; Goryachkina vs. Vaishali
• April 12: Esipenko vs. Praggnanandhaa; Vaishali vs. Zhu Jiner; Divya vs. Tan Zhongyi
• April 13: Rest Day
• April 14: Caruana vs. Praggnanandhaa; Lagno vs. Divya; Tan Zhongyi vs. Vaishali
• April 15: Praggnanandhaa vs. Nakamura; Vaishali vs. Lagno; Divya vs. Assaubayeva
• April 16: Tiebreaks (if required)

What Is the Prize Pool?

As excitement builds for the Candidates Tournament, players are not only competing for glory but also for a substantial prize pool that underscores the significance of this prestigious event.

With so much talent and determination on display, the Candidates Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of chess mastery. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching as these players battle for the chance to challenge for the world title.