Chess legends Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand have shared their predictions for the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. They highlighted players like Ding Liren and Alireza Firouzja as strong contenders. The event will determine the challenger for the World Chess Championship.
The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, set to occur in Berlin, Germany, from June 15 to July 5, will feature eight grandmasters in a double round-robin format. The winner will earn the right to challenge the reigning World Champion. Chess greats Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand recently offered their views on likely top performers ahead of the competition, published on March 20, 2026. Carlsen, a former World Champion, pointed to Ding Liren and Alireza Firouzja as players performing at an exceptional level. He noted their skills in handling pressure and adapting during games. Carlsen said: “Players like Ding Liren and Alireza Firouzja have been performing at an exceptional level. Their ability to handle pressure and adapt mid-game makes them strong favorites. But the Candidates is unpredictable; someone could always surprise.” He stressed consistency, preparation, mental resilience, and the psychological factor often outweighing ratings. Anand, another ex-World Champion, focused on skill, preparation aided by AI engines, and staying calm in key positions. He praised young talents Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Jeffery Xiong. Anand stated: “The candidates will test both skill and preparation. Young players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Jeffery Xiong are impressive, but experience still counts. The ability to remain calm in critical positions is key.” Among the key contenders named are Ding Liren for his solid defensive style, Alireza Firouzja as an aggressive young prodigy, Nodirbek Abdusattorov for rapid thinking across formats, and Jeffery Xiong for innovative openings and sharp calculations. Both legends see the tournament as vital for chess's global promotion, rankings, and sponsorships.
