Anish Giri Rates Candidates 2026 Lineup

Anish Giri, the Dutch No. 1, has shared his thoughts on the Candidates 2026 lineup, expressing surprise at the limited number of Indian players.

The Candidates 2026 tournament is scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 16, 2026, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus.

On Monday, R Praggnanandhaa secured his spot in the tournament, joining his sister R Vaishali, who defended her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss crown last September.

Anish Giri believes the number of Indian players could have been greater, given the country's strong chess presence.

The 31-year-old Dutchman noted that Germany’s Matthias Bluebaum is a formidable opponent, having won the European Individual Chess Championship and finished as runner-up in the FIDE Grand Swiss.

The Candidates 2026 lineup features a diverse range of players, including two from the United States, one German, one Russian, and only one Indian player, R Praggnanandhaa.

Anish Giri cautioned against relying too heavily on rating lists, pointing out that players like Sindarov and Andrey Esipenko may be underrated but still pose a significant threat.

The Dutch GM emphasized that every player in the tournament is a strong competitor, and the lower-rated players may use their ranking as motivation to perform better.

The tournament's outcome is uncertain, with Anish Giri suggesting that the presence of lower-rated players could lead to a more exciting competition.

The Candidates 2026 tournament will determine the next challenger for the World Championship in both the women's and open sections, with D Gukesh currently holding the World Chess Championship crown.

Anish Giri's comments provide valuable insight into the upcoming tournament, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the various players.

The Dutch No. 1's assessment of the Candidates 2026 lineup has sparked interest among chess fans, who are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament.