Russian content creator Aleksandr Shimanov shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Shimanov says that Sindarov made a good impression on him recently, and notes that he used to defend Gukesh despite his results.

Aleksandr Shimanov

Aleksandr Shimanov

Russian GM, content creator

“Sindarov or Gukesh? Sindarov.

I used to defend Gukesh… But now I’m not sure anymore. After he lost the Bishop vs Rook endgame to Vladimir Fedoseev… That’s the first point.

The second point, I had no communication with Gukesh at all. But with Sindarov, we talked a little after the game in Qatar at the Rapid and Blitz Championship. We spoke again once.

Overall, Sindarov made a very positive impression on me, so I’m rooting for him.”

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju finished 8th/10th at the Sinquefield Cup 2025, 41st at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, and was eliminated in the 3rd round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. In February he finished 9th at the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026. In March he finished last at the Prague International Chess Festival. In the end of the May Gukesh finished last at the Norway Chess 2026, and in July he dropped to 2702.9 points in the live rating.

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: Lennart Ootes