Can Praggnanandhaa Challenge Gukesh By Winning Candidates? 'He Looks Very Motivated'

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 14:06 IST

Viswanathan Anand previews the FIDE Candidates 2026: R. Praggnanandhaa aims to peak in Cyprus against top players like Caruana, Nakamura and Giri.

Legendary chess player Viswanathan Anand has said that although it might look like R Praggnanandhaa has slowed down a bit over time, he might as well be looking to peak during the Candidates, during which he will be taking on the best in business.

Eight top players in the Open category will compete for the crown when the Candidates tournament starts in Cyprus on March 28, with the winner earning the right to challenge reigning world champion D. Gukesh for the title later this year.

Anand, vice-president of FIDE as well, noted that Praggnanandhaa, the sole Indian in the men’s section, will face fierce competition from the likes of Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, adding that predicting the eventual winner would be tough.

“He is (Praggnanandhaa) 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," Anand said while speaking to FIDE.

Anand felt that among players like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri, at least one had a strong chance of winning the Candidates and bagging the right to challenge Gukesh.

“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… and a lot of wildcards," Anand said.

Cyprus has drawn attention as the venue because of its proximity to the escalating Gulf conflict. Three Indian players are all set to compete in the women’s section of the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, aiming to challenge reigning champion Ju Wenjun for the world title.

Indian stalwart Koneru Humpy is considering withdrawing from the event because of security concerns arising from the Gulf conflict.

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