Praggnanandhaa just dropped the most-anticipated move of 2025 by clinching the FIDE Circuit 2025 crown and securing his ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The Indian prodigy didn’t just lead, he dominated like a total boss from May onwards, overtaking Ding Liren and never looking back, even as rivals scrambled. So, let’s take a look at his journey and the top 10 of the FIDE Circuit 2025.
Praggnanandhaa Dominates The FIDE Circuit 2025
From the start, Pragg seized control after a series of dominating performances at Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and now the London Chess Classic Open, where he smashed 7/9 for 8.17 crucial points in a tough field.
By late November, heavy hitters like Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Bluebaum, and Javokhir Sindarov were already Candidates-bound via other routes, while Vincent Keymer sat out the classics. Only Nodirbek Abdusattorov could have been a threat in the London Chess Classic Elite, but Pragg sealed a last-minute victory to win the FIDE Circuit 2025 and secure a spot in the Candidates 2026.
FIDE Circuit 2025 Leaderboards: The Top 10
With Praggnanandhaa taking the top spot, Anish Giri sits pretty at No. 2 with 81.18 from six events, including a Grand Swiss win (28.41) and Sharjah Masters triumph (20.94). Nodirbek Abdusattorov is third at 71.61, thanks to his London Classic Elite domination. Fabiano Caruana is in fourth (65.55, 3 events) after stacking U.S. Champs gold (23.90) and Sinquefield near-miss, while Matthias Blübaum rests at five (63.94), owning European Champs (15.73) and Grand Swiss runner-up (19.37).
Javokhir Sindarov is ranked sixth (63.82, 4 events), with World Cup glory (27.88) and UzChess silver (19.77). Vincent Keymer comes seventh (55.83) while Alireza Firouzja is in eighth (52.99), and Wesley So (52.41) and Nodirbek Yakubboev (50.55) round up the FIDE Circuit 2025 Top 10.
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| Rank | Player | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Praggnanandhaa R | 115.17 | ||
| 2 | Anish Giri | 81.18 | ||
| 3 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov | 71.61 | ||
| 4 | Fabiano Caruana | 65.55 | ||
| 5 | Matthias Bluebaum | 63.94 | ||
| 6 | Javokhir Sindarov | 63.82 | ||
| 7 | Vincent Keymer | 55.83 | ||
| 8 | Alireza Firouzja | 52.99 | ||
| 9 | Wesley So | 52.41 | ||
| 10 | Nodirbek Yakubboev | 50.55 |
Also read: Freestyle Grand Slam 2025: Magnus Carlsen Clinches The Title Early
