Russian GM Andrey Esipenko shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Andrey says Javokhir Sindarov is the favorite at the moment, and believes the match of prime Sindarov and Gukesh Dommaraju will be equal and tough.

Andrey Esipenko

Andrey Esipenko

Russian GM

“Right now, Sindarov is of course seems like the favorite.

But I think they’re quite similar players in style. A prime Sindarov vs. prime Gukesh would be an equal, very interesting, and tough match.

But what we see now… Everything depends on their form as they approach the match.

For now, of course, Sindarov is the clear favorite.”

The FIDE World Championship 2026 is the crowning match to determine the World Champion. Match features defending Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. The location and date of the match will be announced by FIDE later this year.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE