Media365
Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. The achievement comes following his recent performance at the London Chess Classic, despite a disappointing result at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.“FIDE has officially announced that I have won the FIDE circuit 2025 and qualified to the Candidates. I am very happy to hear that and overall happy with my performance throughout the year,” Praggnanandhaa said in a video on X.
“I think I have shown some good quality chess, and I’m happy with that. I want to thank my whole team for always believing in me, even through some rough patches and some rough tournaments.“And I also want to thank all the fans for always supporting me and supporting Indian chess, and I am really grateful to all of you. It’s now time to work towards Candidates.“Thanks to coaches, family, and everyone who’s supported me. Will keep working hard and giving my best.”The 20-year-old will be the only Indian male player in the upcoming Candidates Tournament. The tournament presents an opportunity for an all-Indian World Championship match, as Praggnanandhaa could face World Chess Champion D Gukesh if he emerges victorious at the Candidates Tournament.The 2026 Candidates Tournament is scheduled to take place at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort near Paphos, Cyprus. The event will run from March 28 to April 16.The women’s section of the Candidates Tournament will feature strong Indian representation. Three Indian players, Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R. Vaishali, have qualified for the women’s event.
