Levon Aronian shared his opinion on the Salesforce FIDE World Championship 2026. Aronian believes that Javokhir Sindarov is a slight favorite in the match. Levon notes that the outcome of the match can be unexpected and cites the Kramnik–Kasparov match of 2000 as an example. Aronian spoke about it in an interview with Deccan Herald.

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

America's No. 5

“It’s going to be an interesting match for sure. Two very young players. One of the players is already very accomplished, and the other player just got a chance. So, of course, the motivation of Sindarov is very high.

I’ve read that there is a new sponsorship towards the World Championship matches from a new company… With more support, of course, this is going to be a very fierce match.

[Question: Whom would you put your money on?]

I think Sindarov is a slight favorite because he’s been playing so well recently. So aggressive and just wanting to win.

Gukesh, I think, for him becoming a World Champion so early was psychologically not easy. Because the expectations are very high, and there are so much media following you. And then one little misfortune in your game and everybody starts talking about it. You get a lot of attacks.

So, of course, Sindarov is a slight favorite. But this type of things — you wouldn’t have anybody betting on Kramnik when he had his match against Kasparov. And look what happened! Kramnik destroyed Kasparov completely.

Things can be very unexpected.”

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 22 to December 12.

Credit: Lennart Ootes / FIDE