Ian Nepomniachtchi shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Nepo believes that the match odds are 65-35 in favor of Javokhir Sindarov. Ian notes the importance of winning the first game of the match. Nepo spoke about it in an interview with The Hindu.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Russia's No. 1

“The World Championship match is always very special. It is like an hourglass. It is not like the round of the tournament when you can play one game badly and catch up later by beating another guy. It is always the same opponent.

If we analyze the results for the past 16 or 17 months, there is some bad news for the Gukesh fans. He has lost roughly 90 Elo points or so. It is probably a question to him and to his team, what is going on, what is happening?

He is just a bit different from what we saw in 2024, especially in Budapest and in Toronto. But, you know, that doesn’t guarantee some easy way to the crown for Javokhir. Because, you know, they are both very young and form can be very volatile sometimes.

Of course, as of now, Sindarov starts as a huge favorite, but I wouldn’t say it is something like 80 to 20. I think it should be more like 65 to 35. And I believe who wins the first game will be important.

If Gukesh manages to win one, especially in the beginning, or at least not lose, the match could become unclear, as he will get some confidence. But if Sindarov starts with a win, it could easily turn into a snowball.”

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 match will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from November 25 to December 15.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE