Garry Kasparov shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026 in an interview with Sport in Antwerpen. Kasparov says that Gukesh Dommaraju is hard to beat, and gives him more chances to win. Garry notes that experience is the deciding factor in the match for the crown.

Garry Kasparov

Garry Kasparov

12th World Champion

“Like Magnus Carlsen, I was fiercely critical of Gukesh. And that criticism still stands.

When I played Karpov for the title in 1986, the purpose of the match was to see who was the best player in the world. Chess enthusiasts from all over the world would not have wanted other players to face each other.

Since then, the title matches are no longer played between the number one and number two. I am pleased, however, that young players are now reaching the top.

As far as I can judge, Sindarov provides more entertainment, but experience is important. And Dommaraju has that. You can hardly beat Gukesh. That is why I give him slightly more chances.

It is not important how long you prepare for a match. Experience is usually the deciding factor.

He didn’t make a good impression at the Olympiad, but now it’s about a match against a single player. That’s completely different. Expectations are high.

Gukesh is a more defensive player. Compare it to a tennis player who does not come off the baseline. But you never know. If Sindarov takes the lead, he might be able to beat him.”

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 25 to December 15.

Credit: Lennart Ootes