Sat Mar 28 12:44:41 UTC 2026: # Chess World Focuses on Cyprus as FIDE Candidates Tournament Approaches

The Story:
The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, a crucial event determining the challenger for the World Chess Championship, is set to begin on March 28, 2026, and run until April 16, 2026, at the Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort in Paphos, Cyprus. Eight players in both the Open and Women’s sections will compete for the chance to face World Champion D Gukesh. The tournament features notable players, including India’s R Praggnanandhaa in the Open section and Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali R in the Women’s section.

The tournament will be a double round-robin format with 14 rounds. A tie-break playoff will decide the winner if necessary. The minimum prize fund is a record one million euros, with the winner receiving 70,000 euros.

Key Points:

  • The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will be held from March 28 to April 16, 2026, in Paphos, Cyprus.
  • Eight players will compete in both the Open and Women’s sections.
  • The Open section includes R Praggnanandhaa, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana.
  • The Women’s section features Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali R, with Anna Muzychuk replacing Koneru Humpy.
  • The tournament format is a double round-robin with 14 rounds.
  • The total prize fund is one million euros.
  • The winner receives 70,000 euros.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FIDE Candidates Tournament is a critical event in the chess calendar, determining the next challenger for the World Championship.
  • The 2026 edition boasts a record prize fund, highlighting the growing financial interest in chess.
  • The tournament’s location in Cyprus provides a neutral and potentially appealing venue for the players.
  • The inclusion of young talents like R Praggnanandhaa signifies the evolving landscape of competitive chess.
  • The withdrawal of Koneru Humpy due to safety concerns underscores the broader geopolitical considerations affecting sporting events.

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