Praggnanandhaa Becomes First Indian to Qualify for Candidates 2026

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has secured a landmark achievement by qualifying for the Candidates 2026 after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. His breakthrough cements his position as India’s sole male representative at the world championship qualification stage, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.

Qualification Through Stellar Circuit Performance

Praggnanandhaa’s dominant year on the international circuit proved decisive. He clinched titles at the Wijk Aan Zee Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and the London Chess Classic Open. Consistent form across major events helped him gather the highest circuit points, ensuring direct qualification.

Strong Results Across Global Tournaments

Apart from his title victories, he secured runner-up at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and finished 12th at the Sinquefield Cup, competing against elite opposition. His run to the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup added further weight to his impressive season. These performances underline his growth as a world-class contender.

Confirmed Line-Up for Candidates 2026

Seven of the eight Candidates participants are now confirmed: Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Bluebaum, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, Andrey Esipenko, and Praggnanandhaa. The final slot will be awarded to the player with the highest six-month average rating from August 2025 to January 2026, subject to the required minimum number of games.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Praggnanandhaa qualified by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025.
• Candidates 2026 will take place in Cyprus from 28 March to 16 April 2026.
• The final Candidates spot is based on a six-month average FIDE rating.
• Three Indian players have qualified for the Women’s Candidates 2026.

India’s Rising Presence in World Chess

The Candidates 2026 will see Praggnanandhaa lead India’s charge on the men’s side, while Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R Vaishali compete in the Women’s Candidates. His qualification signals a new era for Indian chess, reflecting the nation’s expanding influence at the highest levels of competition.