Gukesh's Rivals: Anand's Picks for Candidates 2026
The chess world is buzzing with excitement as Indian prodigy D Gukesh continues to make waves in the international arena. With his impressive performance, many are curious about who will challenge him in the upcoming 2026 Candidates tournament. Former world champion Vishy Anand has shared his insights, naming three strong contenders who might rise to the occasion.
Anand first highlighted R Praggnanandhaa, another young talent from India. Anand believes that Praggnanandhaa’s experience at such a young age gives him an edge. “He’s experienced, but at the same time, he looks very motivated,” Anand remarked. Despite a slight dip in performance over the past few months, Anand feels Praggnanandhaa is mentally preparing for the challenge ahead. His determination and skill could make him a formidable opponent for Gukesh.
In addition to Praggnanandhaa, Anand mentioned that the competition will also involve strong international players. Magnus Carlsen, the current world champion, has expressed his support for two notable challengers: Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Carlsen’s backing adds weight to their candidacy as serious threats to Gukesh's title ambitions. Both players have a history of outstanding performances and could potentially upset the balance in the chess scene.
The chess community in India is particularly thrilled about these developments. With Gukesh leading the charge, and talented players like Praggnanandhaa, Caruana, and Nakamura on the horizon, the upcoming tournaments are set to showcase some thrilling matches. Fans are eagerly awaiting these epic battles that promise to elevate the game further.
As the chess landscape evolves, the excitement surrounding the 2026 Candidates tournament grows. With Anand’s expert insights and Carlsen’s endorsements, the stage is set for an intense showdown. The question remains: who will rise to challenge Gukesh, and will they have what it takes to dethrone him?
