Who will challenge D Gukesh? Vishy Anand names 3 contenders; Magnus Carlsen backs Caruana, Nakamura for Candidates 2026

The FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament is upcoming, with Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen picking their favourites to win.

Published on: Mar 18, 2026, 17:34:14 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen have picked their favourites to win the upcoming Candidates 2026 tournament, which is scheduled to begin on March 28 in Cyprus. The tournament winner will face D Gukesh for the World C'ship.

Vishy Anand and Magnus Carlsen named their top contenders for the Candidates title.

Speaking on FIDE's YouTube channel, Anand didn't pick a favourite, but felt that Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri had a better chance of winning the tournament.

Also Read: D Gukesh faces ‘very big question mark’ over World Chess Championship defence, says Judit Polgar

"I think Fabi (Fabiano), Hikaru (Nakamura), Anish (Giri)… you know this has got to be their time, so they will have that feeling going into it that this is a chance to grab… but for the life of me I can’t get around predicting someone," he said.

Vishy Anand on R Praggnanandhaa's chances

Anand also feels that R Praggnanandhaa has a good chance of qualifying for the World C'ship showdown against Gukesh. "He’s experienced, but at the same time, he looks very motivated. He has slowed down a little bit in the last few months, but maybe mentally he is already peaking and getting ready for the Candidates."

Meanwhile, Carlsen named his friends, Caruana and Nakamura, as his favourites. Speaking to Chess.com, he said, "The old Americans are the favourites."

Other than Nakamura, Giri, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa, the other participants are Matthias Blubaum, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko.

At the 2024 World C'ship, Gukesh defeated Ding Liren to take the title away from the Chinese GM. Gukesh clinched a 7 1/2-6 1/2 after 14 games, and it also made him the youngest-ever world champion.

The venue, Cyprus, has sparked controversy due to its proximity to the ongoing Gulf conflict. Koneru Humpy, who has qualified for the Women's Candidates, is reportedly considering pulling out due to the conflict.

Regarding the location, Anand said, "FIDE tries to first find a good high-quality venue (and) I think we've succeeded in that. Cyprus will be a very good venue and I think the location is going to be amazing and we try to keep the players informed."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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