If chess fans thought the 2025 season packed enough drama, the buildup to the Candidates 2026 is already stealing the spotlight. Magnus Carlsen, the former world champion and chess’s ultimate authority, just dropped his picks for who could challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the world title shot. And spoiler alert: India’s R Praggnanandhaa features prominently in his top ranks, proving the young star’s rise is no fluke.
Magnus Carlsen Names His Title Favourites For Candidates 2026
Carlsen laid it out straight in a Chess.com interview after the Freestyle Tour in South Africa. He sees the two American powerhouses, Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, as the clear frontrunners. “Just like last time, probably the Americans are the favourites,” he said. Their experience, consistency, and killer form in classical chess make them the ones to beat in the high-stakes event set for March 2026.
R Praggnanandhaa Emerges As Third Favourite
Right behind them is Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa as the third favourite. Carlsen praised the Indian grandmaster’s steady climb, noting a “pretty big drop off” after the top three. Pragg secured his spot by dominating the 2025 FIDE Circuit, India’s lone male representative, ready to battle the world’s elite. This ranking underscores Pragg’s growth, from battling veterans to earning Carlsen’s nod as a real contender.
Magnus Carlsen wasn’t shy about the rest of the field, which includes Wei Yi, Javokhir Sindarov, Anish Giri, and others. “Wei Yi is really good, but I don’t think he’s capable of winning enough games to win the Candidates,” he added. No one else gets the top billing, highlighting how tough the qualification was this cycle.
He also called for tweaks to the system, mentioning players like Arjun Erigaisi and Germany’s Vincent Keymer who missed out despite strong showings. “Keymer was really close… he certainly deserved to be there,” Carlsen noted. Still, he respects the merit-based lineup: if you didn’t qualify, you sit it out.
Read More
Pragg’s journey adds extra fire. Fresh off the Global Chess League in India, he’s headed to Qatar for the World Rapid and Blitz, his last big tune-up before Candidates prep. Carlsen’s endorsement boosts Indian chess hopes, especially with Gukesh defending his crown later.
Magnus Carlsen stepping away from title chases opened doors for talents like Gukesh, who dethroned Ding Liren. Now, with Nakamura grabbing the ratings spot Carlsen skipped, the 2026 Candidates promises fireworks. Will Pragg pull off the upset? Or will the Americans dominate again? One thing’s clear: Carlsen’s word carries weight, and he’s betting on Pragg to shake things up.
Also read: Is The Champions League Favouring The Elite Too Much?
