Countdown to the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments: Insights from Nakamura and Caruana

Excitement Builds for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments

This Sunday, March 29, the chess world will turn its gaze to Cyprus as the highly anticipated FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 kick off. These prestigious events will determine the challengers for the world championship titles, with the winners set to face reigning champions Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun.

In the lead-up to the tournaments, Chess.com’s FM Mike Klein conducted interviews with top contenders, including American grandmasters Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. Their insights reveal the intensity and unpredictability of the competition ahead.

Nakamura: “No One Is A Clear Favorite”

As the top seed and world number two, Nakamura is feeling optimistic despite a lengthy break from classical chess. He will face Caruana in the opening round, a matchup steeped in history—Nakamura holds a record of 11 wins, 39 draws, and eight losses against his compatriot.

Nakamura arrives in Cyprus with a renewed perspective, having embraced fatherhood and the accompanying life lessons. “At the end of the day, there are things that are bigger than chess,” he remarked, suggesting that this broader outlook might give him a mental edge in the tournament.

Despite being labeled a favorite by some, Nakamura humorously dismissed the notion, stating, “No one is a clear favorite,” and estimated his chances at around 20%. He believes that up to seven players could realistically contend for the title, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the tournament.

Concerns about safety in Cyprus, amid the ongoing Iran War, have been voiced by players, including GM Koneru Humpy, who withdrew from the women’s tournament. Nakamura acknowledged these concerns but noted that the venue conditions are satisfactory, and he is looking forward to the competition.

Caruana: “You Need A Combination Of All The Factors”

Caruana, the second seed and the only player in the field with a previous Candidates victory, reflected on the delicate balance of skill and luck required to succeed in such a high-stakes environment. “You need to play really well, and then you also need to have things go your way at certain times,” he explained.

Having recently participated in the 2026 Saint Louis Masters, Caruana feels prepared and confident heading into the tournament. He downplayed predictions of his chances, stating, “Hopefully I’ll make it two in six,” referencing his previous win against odds of one in five.

On the venue, Caruana expressed satisfaction with the sunny surroundings, a refreshing change from past events held in colder climates. “This is the first time that we’re in a kind of beautiful vacation spot, which feels like a nice change,” he noted.

What to Expect

As the tournament unfolds, chess enthusiasts can catch all the action through Chess.com’s world-class commentary on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, featuring renowned commentators such as Judit Polgar and David Howell.

With the stakes higher than ever, the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments promise to deliver thrilling chess and unforgettable moments. As Nakamura aptly put it, “All you have to do is be in position with three or four rounds left and see what happens.” The chess world eagerly awaits the drama that will unfold in Cyprus.