German GM Matthias Blubaum shared his thoughts on his chances at the FIDE Candidates 2026. Blubaum notes that all participants except him play at the 2700+ level and calls himself an outsider.

Matthias Blubaum

Matthias Blubaum

German GM

“What are my chances at the Candidates? I think I’m definitely the outsider… It’s impossible to say otherwise. Everyone else has already played at the 2700 level and has a bit more experience in such tournaments.

On the other hand, this tournament is very hard to predict, but still…”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will take place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. German GM Matthias Blubaum qualified for the event by finishing second in the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025. Blubaum is participating in the Candidates for the first time.

Credit: Dariusz Gorzinski