Anish Giri has officially claimed a spot at the Candidates 2026 by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025. The road to this huge moment was not easy, as Giri was almost an underdog throughout the tournament, but he proved that it’s not over in chess until the winner is announced.
While everyone expected leaders like Matthias Bluebaum and R. Praggnandhaa to take the title, Anish Giri came in silence and flipped the board with exceptional chess.
Anish Giri’s Grand Swiss Victory
The FIDE Grand Swiss was a tournament where the skill of the world’s best is tested to the limit. And this year, Anish Giri showed what shaking off pressure looks like. Giri played with cool and caution, but his moves were sharp enough to cut through the strongest fields.
Each round, he kept pace at the top, refusing to stumble, and finished with enough punch to grab clear first.
What This Means for Candidates 2026
Grabbing the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 crown isn’t just about the cash, the fame, or another trophy on the shelf; it’s about a seat at chess’s hottest table: the Candidates Tournament 2026. The event that decides who challenges the world champion next. With this win, Anish Giri joins the eight-player lineup, each carrying hopes and hype from their own fan armies.
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A Quick Look Back: Giri’s Journey to the Top
For those new to the story: Giri earned his grandmaster title at just 14 years old and quickly became the youngest ever Dutch grandmaster. He’s a five-time Dutch champion, has conquered top-tier tournaments like Tata Steel, Sharjah Masters, and Reggio Emilia, and even cracked the world’s top-3 rankings in his prime.
With his performance at the Grand Swiss 2025, Anish Giri just hit another milestone in a career filled with twists, comebacks, and smart play. The Candidates will be a whole new challenge; every game could be a battle for the chess crown. For Giri, making it there again isn’t just a matter of showing up; it’s proof he’s still in the mix with the very best. And who knows? Maybe 2026 is the year Anish Giri takes his shot at the world title, and finally silences the doubters, one brilliant move after another.
Also read: R Vaishali Defends Her Grand Swiss Title, Earns Candidates 2026 Spot
