German GM Matthias Bluebaum commented on the joke about his “invincibility” in an interview with Chess.com Deutsch on March 22. Bluebaum says he takes it with humor, and notes the absurdity of the situation.

Matthias Bluebaum

Matthias Bluebaum

German GM

“It turns out there are people posting fake comments from other players, as if everyone thinks I will score 14 out of 14 points in the Candidates…

I have no idea who started this or how it all began. I take it with humor, it’s quite funny, but I have nothing to do with it. It is, of course, a bit absurd.”

The joke about Matthias Bluebaum scoring 14 out of 14 points in the FIDE Candidates 2026 became popular on Reddit and X after Matthias finished second at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 and qualified for the Candidates. The event will take place from March 28 to April 16 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE