Hikaru Nakamura shared his opinion on the changes to the qualification paths for the FIDE Candidates Tournament. Nakamura says that the removal of the rating slot is not a problem for him, and notes that he has long considered it unnecessary.

Hikaru Nakamura

Hikaru Nakamura

American GM, streamer

“I don’t have a big issue with this.

I think people would be surprised to hear me say that. Because they would think, ‘Oh, they took away the rating spot… Oh my god, it’s the end of the world! You’re going to be furious!’.

But for a long time, I’ve actually felt that the rating spot is not necessary.”

FIDE announced changes to the qualification paths for the FIDE Candidates Tournament on July 14. The changes include the removal of slots for rating and for 3rd place at the World Cup, the addition of slots for the Total Chess Championship, and other. The changes take effect starting from the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028.

Credit: Lennart Ootes