German GM and commentator Jan Gustafsson shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026 on the Perpetual Chess Podcast. Gustafsson says that a victory for Gukesh Dommaraju in the match is possible. Jan believes that the match odds are 65-35 in favor of Javokhir Sindarov.

Jan Gustafsson

Jan Gustafsson

German GM, commentator

“[Question: You’re relatively optimistic on Gukesh. Could Gukesh potentially be underestimated?]

I’m not saying he’s the favorite. I agree, Sindarov is the favorite, but I can very much envision a world where this gets close or where Gukesh wins it.

If it’s more than one out of four, that’s for the market professionals to decide.

[Question: So, who do you predict will win this World Championship match?]

Obviously, Sindarov is the favorite. So even money, I’ll take Sindarov. I think it’s closer to whatever, 65-35 somewhere in that neighborhood.

But who knows? It’s such a small sample size theater…”

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: Rafal Oleksiewicz / FIDE