Post by : Maya Rahman

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has clinched victory at the FIDE Circuit 2025, assuring himself a spot in the upcoming Candidates Tournament. He is set to be the sole Indian man in this prestigious event, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning chess career. The prodigious talent enjoyed a stellar season, with triumphs at the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and the London Chess Classic Open. He also secured the runner-up position at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and finished 12th at the Sinquefield Cup before his exit in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup.

Praggnanandhaa's win now confirms seven out of the eight slots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Other participants include Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Blübaum, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Andrey Esipenko. The final position will be determined based on the player with the highest average rating over six months, between August 2025 and January 2026, requiring participation in at least 40 FIDE-rated games during this timeframe, with 15 games across six consecutive rating lists.

This tournament is scheduled to run from March to April 2026, where elite players will vie for the opportunity to contest the World Chess Championship. Praggnanandhaa's presence in the open category will complement India’s representation in the Women's Candidates, where three talented Indian players—Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R. Vaishali—have already qualified, showcasing India's increasing prominence in the global chess arena.

Praggnanandhaa’s unwavering commitment and impressive track record serve as motivation for aspiring chess players worldwide. His qualification not only elevates Indian chess but also reinforces the country’s stature on the world stage, exemplifying how determination and strategic thinking can foster extraordinary accomplishments.

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