The race to host one of the biggest chess events in recent years has officially begun, and challenger Javokhir Sindarov already has a preferred destination in mind for his highly anticipated World Championship showdown against reigning champion D Gukesh.
Just days after FIDE opened the bidding process for hosting rights, the Uzbek grandmaster revealed that he would ideally want the match to be held in a warm country like Cyprus.
Javokhir Sindarov Wants A Warm Venue For The Title Match
Speaking in a video shared by FIDE, Sindarov explained that weather conditions could influence his preference because the championship is expected to take place during the winter period.
“It would be in December. Personally, I would choose some hot country like Cyprus because I don’t want to play a world championship match in cold weather. For me, it doesn’t matter, but if I have a choice, probably this is it,” Javokhir Sindarov said.
After winning the FIDE Candidates, 🇺🇿 Javokhir Sindarov was asked where he would like to play the FIDE World Championship Match against 🇮🇳 Gukesh D 🌍♟
The official bidding procedure is now underway!
Where would YOU like to see the match played? 👀✨ pic.twitter.com/Vsq0Ls5tmN
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) May 12, 2026
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The 20-year-old added that while he could adapt to different conditions, a warmer environment would be more comfortable for such a high-pressure event.
FIDE Officially Opens Hosting Bids
FIDE (the International Chess Federation) has officially confirmed that it is now accepting bids for the 2026 World Chess Championship and is encouraging both potential host countries as well as individual organisers of sporting events to put forth proposals.
FIDE made the announcement on April 30 that it anticipates holding a match somewhere between November 23 and December 17, lasting about 25 days.
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They also released financial requirement information for both the overall/total budget, which is expected to be $8.5 million, with a minimum of $2.5 million being set as the amount for the prize pool.
Youngest World Championship Match In Chess History
The upcoming clash between Gukesh and Sindarov is already being viewed as a landmark moment for modern chess.
Both players are expected to be only 20 years old during the championship, making it the youngest World Championship match in history. The contest also represents a major generational shift in elite chess, with two young stars now taking centre stage on the biggest platform in the sport.
Gukesh had already created history in 2024 after defeating Ding Liren to become the youngest world champion ever at the age of 18.
Javokhir Sindarov, meanwhile, earned his shot at the title after producing a dominant performance at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
The Uzbek star has been regarded as one of the strongest young talents in world chess for several years and now has the chance to complete his rise with a world title challenge.
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Could India Enter The Hosting Race?
The upcoming battle between D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov is already being seen as a historical moment for chess in today’s world.
It will also mark a generational shift in elite chess since the two young stars will be in the spotlight at this time, and they will both be 20 years old at the time of the championship and therefore will be competing in the youngest World Championship match ever.
Gukesh had already made history by beating Ding Liren in 2024 to become the youngest ever world champion at age 18.
On the other hand, Javokhir Sindarov earned his opportunity to compete for the title by having a strong performance at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament and has been considered one of the top young talents in chess for many years now, he gets a chance to finish his rise by competing for the world title.
Also Read: Mayank Chakraborty Makes History As Northeast India’s First Grandmaster
