R Praggnanandhaa wins FIDE Circuit 2025
GM R Praggnanandhaa has qualified to the FIDE Candidates 2026. Praggnanandhaa topped the FIDE Circuit 2025 by scoring 115.17 points. He made a last-minute entry into the London Chess Classic 2025 Open to ensure he scored enough circuit points, so that his only rival Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) cannot theoretically catch up with him. Despite winning the London Chess Classic 2025 Masters with a fantastic performance, Praggnanandhaa's lead became unassailable, rendering the World Rapid and Blitz 2025 results moot for the FIDE Circuit points. Praggnanandhaa will make his second consecutive appearance at the Candidates. The reigning World Champion, D Gukesh has wanted to face Praggnanandhaa as his next Challenger for the World Championship. It might just happen next year. Photo: FIDE
Praggnanandhaa is in FIDE Candidates 2026
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has won the FIDE Circuit 2025, securing a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
The Indian prodigy seized the lead in the race in May by overtaking Ding Liren and confidently maintained it throughout the season. By the end of November, his main rivals – Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Bluebaum, and Javokhir Sindarov – had already qualified for the Candidates 2026 via other paths, while Vincent Keymer had no classical events scheduled for the rest of the year. Only Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who was playing in the points-heavy London Chess Classic Elite, had a theoretical chance to catch up.
With this in mind, Praggnanandhaa made a last-minute entry into the London Chess Classic Open to clinch his Candidates qualification, regardless of the upcoming FIDE Rapid and Blitz results. He did deliver, scoring 7/9 in a strong field, tying for first place, and collecting 8.17 circuit points.
Despite Abdusattorov’s brilliant performance in the London Chess Classic Elite, which produced one of the highest TPRs in the history of chess and netted him 19.62 circuit points, Praggnanandhaa’s result placed him out of reach and punched his ticket to the 2026 Candidates.
Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa, who deservedly earned one of the eight slots in the 2026 Candidates. The young Indian has been the best FIDE Circuit player throughout the year, winning the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and London Chess Classic Open, and finishing second in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and 12th Sinquefield Cup.
We maintain dedicated pages on our website for the FIDE Circuit 2025 featuring the latest information on eligible tournaments, current standings, and regulations.
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