Issues with the FIDE Circuit: Players Speak Out and Analyze the System

The FIDE Circuit, a points system devised by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) to measure tournament performances across a year, has come under fire from top Grandmasters for its perceived flaws. GM Levon Aronian, GM Anish Giri, and 2023 FIDE Circuit Winner GM Fabiano Caruana have all criticized the system, with Aronian calling it a “joke,” Giri describing it as “completely broken,” and Caruana labeling it as “the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.”

The controversy surrounding the FIDE Circuit was brought to light when GM Gukesh Dommarju recently won the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, earning a world championship match against GM Ding Liren. However, the qualification process for the next Candidates in 2026 has already begun, leading to scrutiny of the FIDE Circuit system.

One of the main issues raised by the Grandmasters is the allocation of points in major tournaments like the Tata Steel Chess event. The calculation of Circuit points based on placings rather than overall performance has led to discrepancies in point distribution, with players like Leon Mendonca outscoring higher-rated players like Giri and Gukesh.

Additionally, the tiebreak rules in the FIDE Circuit have also faced criticism, with the recent four-way tie at the Tata Steel Masters resulting in shared points for the top spot, as well as fourth place offering zero points.

The debate over the FIDE Circuit system has raised questions about fairness, democracy, and economic incentives in the world of professional chess. While some argue that the system provides opportunities for a wider range of players to qualify for prestigious events, others point to flaws in the calculation methods and the impact on players’ financial security.

As the race to qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament continues, the discussion around the FIDE Circuit is likely to intensify, with calls for potential changes to the system to address the concerns raised by top Grandmasters.