Thrilling Start to the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament: Caruana Breaks Nakamura’s Streak

FIDE Candidates: Caruana Defeats The Top Seed

FIDE Women’s Candidates: Fighting Draws

Caruana Breaks Nakamura’s Streak in Thrilling FIDE Candidates Opener

March 29, 2026 — In a gripping start to the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, GM Fabiano Caruana finally broke his losing streak against GM Hikaru Nakamura, securing a hard-fought victory after an intense six-hour battle in round one. This match, which showcased the highest level of chess strategy, set the tone for a tournament filled with surprises and fierce competition.

Caruana’s win over the world number two Nakamura not only marked a personal triumph but also positioned him as a formidable contender in the tournament. The match was a rollercoaster of tactics and resilience, culminating in a decisive moment that left spectators on the edge of their seats.

In addition to Caruana’s standout performance, GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu stunned GM Anish Giri with an unexpected opening strategy, maintaining his advantage flawlessly to secure another victory. Meanwhile, GM Javokhir Sindarov made headlines by outsmarting GM Andrey Esipenko, turning a seemingly lost position into a remarkable win that propelled him into the top 10 rankings.

The only draw of the day came from the highly anticipated clash between Candidates debutants GMs Matthias Bluebaum and Wei Yi, which ended in a stalemate after both players displayed solid defensive play.

Women’s Candidates: A Battle of Wits

The 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates also kicked off with a series of draws, but the matches were anything but uneventful. GM Aleksandra Goryachkina narrowly missed a critical opportunity against GM Kateryna Lagno, while GM Vaishali Rameshbabu showcased her tenacity by holding on against GM Bibisara Assaubayeva despite being in severe time trouble.

In another match, GM Zhu Jiner misplayed a promising position against GM Tan Zhongyi, while GM Anna Muzychuk faced early surprises from GM Divya Deshmukh, leaving her visibly rattled.

Looking Ahead

With round two set to commence on Monday, March 30, at 8:45 a.m. ET, the excitement is palpable as players regroup and strategize for their next encounters. Fans can catch all the action live on Chess24’s YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as through the official Events Page.

As the tournament unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The FIDE Candidates Tournament is the most prestigious event of the year, where eight elite players vie for the chance to challenge reigning champions Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun for the world title.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis of the thrilling matches ahead!