The upcoming FIDE Grand Swiss tournament in Samarkand is set to feature a star-studded lineup, despite the notable absence of chess titans like Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, and Fabiano Caruana.
Top Names Opt Out of Grand Swiss
The chess world is buzzing as several of its biggest names will not be competing in the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament this year. Among those missing are former World Champions Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, and Viswanathan Anand. Also absent are current world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura and world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana.
While their reasons vary, for Carlsen, it’s largely due to his preference for faster formats and his current eligibility. FIDE regulations require players to have competed in at least 30 rated games in classical chess over a specific period, which Carlsen, known for his focus on rapid and blitz, has not met. However, he could have potentially secured a spot through a wildcard nomination from the FIDE President or organizers.
What’s at Stake: The Candidates Tournament
The FIDE Grand Swiss is a crucial event, serving as a direct pathway to the prestigious 2026 Candidates tournament. The top two finishers in both the Open and Women’s sections will earn a coveted spot, where the next challenger for the World Championship title will be determined.
This tournament has proven its importance before, famously helping Indian chess stars Vidit Gujrathi and Vaishali Rameshbabu qualify for the 2023 Candidates tournaments held in Toronto.
India’s Strong Challenge
Despite the absence of some top international players, India is sending a formidable contingent. The Open section, featuring 116 players, includes 12 Indians among the 101 qualified participants. Leading the charge is reigning World Champion Gukesh, alongside Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa, all formidable young talents.
Other strong Indian players in the Open section include Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Nihal Sarin, Raunak Sadhwani, Murali Karthikeyan, Abhimanyu Puranik, Aryan Chopra, Leon Luke Mendonca, and S.L. Narayanan.
The Women’s tournament, with 56 participants, also boasts strong Indian representation. Look out for Humpy Koneru, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal.
Who to Watch Among the Contenders
Even with some big names out, the competition remains fierce. The Grand Swiss will feature a host of top-tier players from around the world. Keep an eye on stars like Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Anish Giri, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Levon Aronian, among others.
These players will be battling it out under a demanding time control: 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an additional 30 seconds added per move from the start.
Increased Prize Money on Offer
The stakes are even higher this year with a significant increase in prize money. The Open section now boasts a prize fund of $625,000, a substantial jump from $460,000 in 2023. Similarly, the Women’s competition offers a boosted prize fund of $230,000, up from $140,000 last year.
- The FIDE Grand Swiss is a critical qualifying event for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- Several top players, including Carlsen, Ding Liren, and Caruana, are not participating.
- India is sending a large and strong contingent, led by World Champion Gukesh.
- The tournament features increased prize funds for both Open and Women’s sections.
The FIDE Grand Swiss promises to be an exciting event, showcasing a new generation of chess talent and determining who will challenge for the world title.
