Nepomniachtchi’s Bold Critique: “Every Top GM Would Have a Strong Chance Against Gukesh”
Nepomniachtchi’s Bold Assessment: Gukesh’s Title Defense Under Scrutiny
Sardinia, Italy — In a striking revelation that has sent shockwaves through the chess community, Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has openly critiqued reigning World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh, suggesting that nearly every top grandmaster would stand a strong chance against him in a World Championship match based on his current form.
Speaking to ChessBase India during the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026, Nepomniachtchi pointed to Gukesh’s inconsistent performances over the past year. While acknowledging the Indian prodigy’s moments of brilliance, he emphasized that these have been overshadowed by a series of lackluster showings.
“Based on what we saw from Gukesh last year, I believe nearly every top GM would have a very good chance in a match against him, to put it mildly,” Nepomniachtchi stated. “He just plays badly at times. Of course, there is always a chance of a bad tournament or a bad sequence, but for him, it’s pretty much lost after the Candidates. The match against Ding was also very poor from both sides.”
Nepomniachtchi’s comments come in the wake of Gukesh’s historic rise to become the youngest world champion in 2024. However, since then, his performances have raised concerns among fans and coaches alike. “After the Candidates, he clinched first place, but he played badly in the majority of tournaments and even overscored. That is somewhat disturbing,” Nepomniachtchi added, hinting at Gukesh’s decision to take a break from classical chess to focus on preparation for his title defense.
Sindarov: The Challenger with Momentum
In a twist of fate, Nepomniachtchi has thrown his support behind Gukesh’s upcoming challenger, Javokhir Sindarov, labeling him the favorite ahead of their November clash. “If we speak about April 16 when the Candidates got over, of course, it’s clear who the favorite is. Sindarov will win like 4 to 1,” he remarked, although he cautioned that the months leading up to the match could change the dynamics entirely.
Sindarov, who recently showcased his prowess by finishing the 2026 Candidates with a record-breaking 10 points, has been on a hot streak, including a victory at the FIDE World Cup in Goa last year. However, Nepomniachtchi noted that Sindarov’s form has also seen fluctuations, making the upcoming match even more unpredictable.
The two grandmasters have faced off recently, with Gukesh winning a rapid encounter at the Grand Chess Tour: Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026, only for Sindarov to retaliate by winning both blitz games on consecutive days. This back-and-forth adds an intriguing layer to their rivalry as they prepare for the championship.
A Championship on the Horizon
As the chess world eagerly anticipates the November showdown, all eyes will be on Gukesh and Sindarov. Will Gukesh find his footing and reclaim his status, or will Sindarov capitalize on his current momentum? With Nepomniachtchi’s candid remarks echoing in the minds of fans and players alike, the stage is set for a thrilling championship battle.