Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Nepomniachtchi names Javokhir Sindarov as the favorite at the moment, and notes the performance of Gukesh Dommaraju in 2025.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Russia's No. 1

“Gukesh or Sindarov? As for middle of April — of course Sindarov.

But it’s already May, and the match will take place in six months. It’s easy to speculate, but I think the time will show.

But probably if Gukesh keeps playing like he used to play last year, then it’s not so important who is playing against him — I think anyone would be a favorite.”

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju finished 8th/10th at the Sinquefield Cup 2025, 41th at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, and was eliminated in the 3rd round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. In February Gukesh finished 9th at the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026. In March Gukesh Dommaraju (2732) finished last at the Prague International Chess Festival.

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