German GM Matthias Bluebaum shared his impressions of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in an interview with Bluhmecke Schach. Bluebaum says he had no chance of winning the event, and notes a lack of luck.

Matthias Bluebaum

Matthias Bluebaum

German GM

“I can’t really say I’m happy with my result…

The main reason you participate in the Candidates is to try to win the tournament, and I never really had a real chance of winning. Honestly, after six rounds, almost no one had a chance. Except for one player…

On one hand, it’s good that I can compete with the world elite without major problems, but on the other hand, I would’ve liked a few games to go a little more in my favor. Sometimes I just needed a little luck, for my opponents to make a mistake or blunder.”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 took place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. German GM Matthias Bluebaum finished the tournament 6th, drawing 12 games and losing 2. He almost completed an alternative version of the joke ‘The Great Bluebaum Sweep’ consisting of 14/14 draws.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE