FIDE released a video explaining how the anti-cheating system works at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. Fair Play Officers Andy Howie and Ana Srebrnic, and Reporter Charlize van Zyl described three stages of the system: before, during, and after the game.

Andy Howie started the explanation with a comment:

Andy Howie

Andy Howie

Fair Play Officer

“Our measures are not as excessive as people are making it out to be. We have introduced some new technologies — tech is advancing and we have to be in front of it. We do have some new scanners that we’re using but no, it’s not excessive.

This is a qualifier for the World Championship. This is as big as it gets apart from the match. We have to make sure that the players are comfortable, that they’re in a safe environment.”

They demonstrated that the check process consists of two scanners. The player goes through the walk-through scanner, and then the player is manually scanned with a non-linear scanner to detect hidden electronic devices.

In the playing hall, there are four hidden scanners for monitoring signals coming into the hall. Each of the four scanners detects a separate frequency.

After games, organizers may conduct a player check if the fair play commission considers the game suspicious. Post-game scanning can take longer and be more detailed — for example, checking jewelry.

Andy Howie concluded the video:

Andy Howie

Andy Howie

Fair Play Officer

“These measures are normal!”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 takes place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. American GM Hikaru Nakamura criticized the anti-cheating system at the Candidates Tournament 2026 on April 1st.

Credit: Fide Fair Play Commission