Praggnanandhaa creates history, becomes first Indian to qualify for Candidates 2026

Indian chess sensation Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, 20, has secured a historic spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament after an exceptional performance in the FIDE Circuit 2025. By amassing 115.17 points across his six best events , he comfortably finished ahead of competitors, including Anish Giri, who scored 81.18 points, confirming his position as India’s sole male representative at the world championship qualification stage .

Praggnanandhaa’s stellar year included victories at the Tata Steel Masters , where he edged out reigning world champion D. Gukesh in a thrilling tiebreaker, followed by wins at the Superbet Chess Classic, UzChess Cup Masters, and the London Chess Classic Open. He also claimed titles at Wijk Aan Zee Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, and the International Chess Masters Tournament in Uzbekistan. His consistent performances, including runner-up finishes at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and a 12th-place finish at the Sinquefield Cup, cemented his position atop the FIDE Circuit standings.

The young prodigy’s qualification was sealed after a calculated late entry into the London Chess Classic Open, ensuring he finished at the top of the Circuit, independent of the upcoming Rapid and Blitz events. Despite a setback at the 2024 FIDE World Cup, Praggnanandhaa’s resilience and determination enabled a remarkable resurgence , highlighting his growth into a world-class contender.

Seven of the eight Candidates for 2026 are now confirmed: Anish Giri (Netherlands), Fabiano Caruana (USA), Matthias Bluebaum (Germany), Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan), Wei Yi (China), Andrey Esipenko (Russia), and Praggnanandhaa . The final slot will be awarded to the player with the highest six-month average rating from August 2025 to January 2026. The Candidates tournament is scheduled in Cyprus from 28 March to 16 April 2026 , with the winner earning the right to challenge Gukesh for the FIDE World Championship title .

Known for his discipline and focus, Praggnanandhaa often marks his forehead with sacred ash before games, a ritual he shared in a recent podcast with Raj Shamani. His historic qualification signals a new era for Indian chess , with the men’s and women’s sides, including Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R Vaishali, showcasing India’s rising presence at the pinnacle of the sport.