Ian Nepomniachtchi

Two-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi has shared his tiered predictions for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, naming Fabiano Caruana and Praggnanandhaa R as top favorites. In an interview, he assessed the eight-player field based on experience, form, and mental resilience ahead of the event in Cyprus. The tournament, set for March 29 to April 16, will determine the challenger for the world chess championship.