Kasparov Champions Grand Chess Tour Amidst Carlsen’s Esports Shift

Garry Kasparov Backs Grand Chess Tour Amidst Absence of Top Players

April 30, 2026, 06:00 IST

In a bold endorsement of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT), former world champion Garry Kasparov has reaffirmed the tournament’s significance, even as elite players like Magnus Carlsen pivot towards the burgeoning Esports World Cup. The chess community is abuzz with discussions about the scheduling conflicts that have led to the absence of some of its biggest stars from the GCT.

As the 2026 edition of the Grand Chess Tour approaches, Kasparov praised its consistency and quality, emphasizing its role in keeping the excitement alive in the chess world. “We are entering now the second decade of Grand Chess Tour, its 11th edition. This series still keeps the world of chess very excited,” he stated. “We have new players coming in, and of course, as it often happens with great tournaments, we have a new intrigue.”

Kasparov highlighted the upcoming clash between FIDE Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov and reigning world champion D Gukesh as a pivotal moment for fans. “Who would have imagined that Warsaw will feature the first game between Sindarov and Gukesh? It’s a lucky coincidence that shows GCT is always at the cutting edge,” he remarked.

Despite Gukesh’s withdrawal from long-form games at the GCT to focus on training, he will still face Sindarov in the first leg of the tournament in Poland, specifically during the Super Rapid and Blitz 2026. Gukesh’s decision opened the door for Sindarov to step in as a regular on the tour.

However, the absence of Carlsen, alongside American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and French star Alireza Firouzja, has raised eyebrows. Nakamura confirmed that Carlsen will be competing in the Esports World Cup, which boasts a staggering $1.5 million prize fund. “As far as I know, neither EWC nor GCT have changed the dates. I’m going to be playing EWC. Alireza Firouzja is going to be playing EWC. Magnus, of course, will be playing the EWC,” Nakamura stated.

The Grand Chess Tour 2026, featuring six tournaments and a $2 million prize pool, kicks off on May 5 in Warsaw. As the chess world grapples with this new landscape, Kasparov’s support for the GCT serves as a reminder of the tournament’s enduring legacy and its importance in the chess community.

As the debate continues, fans are left wondering: will the allure of Esports overshadow traditional chess tournaments, or will the Grand Chess Tour maintain its place at the forefront of the chess world? Only time will tell.