Gukesh Aims for Redemption at Prague International Chess Festival Amidst Tough Competition

Gukesh Aims for Redemption at Prague International Chess Festival

Prague, February 25, 2026 — After a disappointing early exit from the World Cup and a lackluster performance at the Tata Steel Masters, world chess champion D. Gukesh is eager to reclaim his form as he leads India’s charge at the Prague International Chess Festival, which kicks off today.

Seeded second in a competitive field, Gukesh faces a formidable challenge against top-seeded German Vincent Keymer and Uzbek prodigy Nodirbek Abdusattorov, both of whom have been in stellar form recently. Keymer, currently ranked fourth globally, and Abdusattorov, fresh off his first major title at the Tata Steel Masters, are expected to be tough contenders.

Gukesh, ranked 10th in live ratings, is the highest-rated Indian player, a title he has claimed amidst a shifting landscape where fellow countrymen Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa have slipped from the top 10. Despite not being at his peak, Gukesh’s consistency has kept him at the forefront of Indian chess.

Joining Gukesh in Prague is defending champion Aravindh Chithambaram, who is looking to bounce back after a sub-par showing at the Tata Steel event. This festival holds special significance for Chithambaram, as it marked his breakthrough into elite chess.

The competition is fierce, with players like American Hans Niemann, who has consistently defied expectations, and Iranian Grandmaster Parham Maghsoodloo, both vying for the title. Dutch Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest, known for his reliability in tournaments, adds to the depth of the lineup.

The 10-player Masters competition will also feature Nodirbek Yakubboev from Uzbekistan, Spain’s David Anton Gujjaro, and local favorite David Navarra, all of whom are eager to make their mark.

In the challengers section, Indian hopes rest on Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, who will face off against top seed Benjamin Gledura of Hungary and Denmark’s Jonas Buhl Bjerre.

As the festival unfolds, all eyes will be on Gukesh, who is determined to turn the tide and reaffirm his status as one of the world’s leading chess talents. The chess community eagerly anticipates whether he can rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory in Prague.