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The pairings for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 have been officially drawn.

The grand ceremony took place at the beautiful Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort in Paphos. Both tournaments will run from 28 March to 16 April 2026. These events will decide who challenges for the World Championship titles. The road to the crown has officially begun.

Why the FIDE Candidates 2026 Is So Important

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will decide the challenger for the World Chess Championship. The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 will decide the challenger for the Women’s World Chess Championship.

Each tournament features 8 elite players. The format is a double round-robin. That means:

Every player faces every opponent twice.
Once with White.
Once with Black.
Total of 14 rounds.

This is one of the toughest formats in chess.

Grand Opening Ceremony in Cyprus

The drawing of lots marked the official start of the Candidates cycle. Top officials, federation leaders, and guests attended the ceremony. FIDE Vice President Georgios Makropoulos highlighted the importance of hosting both events in Cyprus.

Cyprus Chess Federation President Criton Tornaritis spoke about inspiring young chess players. Business Director Constantinos Malaou welcomed players and guests. Cyprus is now firmly on the global chess map.

🔥 FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 – Key Round 1 Clashes

Round 1 already promises fireworks. Here are the main highlights:

♟️ Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura

Fabiano Caruana faces Hikaru Nakamura in an all-American showdown. They have a long Candidates history. Both are rating favorites. This is a blockbuster start.

♟️ Praggnanandhaa R vs Anish Giri

Praggnanandhaa R takes on Anish Giri. Both are deeply prepared and strong in theory.

♟️ Sindarov vs Esipenko

Javokhir Sindarov meets Andrey Esipenko. Two young stars. A generational battle.

♟️ Bluebaum vs Wei Yi

Matthias Bluebaum faces Wei Yi. Both are making their Candidates debut. Round 8 will repeat the same pairings with colors reversed. Expect drama in the final rounds.

👑 FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026 – Round 1 Highlights

The Women’s event also starts with thrilling matchups.

♟️ Zhu Jiner vs Tan Zhongyi

Zhu Jiner faces former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi. A powerful all-China clash.

♟️ Goryachkina vs Lagno

Aleksandra Goryachkina meets Kateryna Lagno. A rivalry at the highest level.

♟️ Vaishali vs Assaubayeva

Vaishali R plays against Bibisara Assaubayeva. Young talent vs young talent.

♟️ Humpy Koneru vs Divya Deshmukh

Humpy Koneru takes on Divya Deshmukh. Experience meets rising star.

Tournament Details You Should Know

📍 Location: Cap St George’s Hotel & Resort, Cyprus
📅 Dates: 28 March – 16 April 2026
♟️ Format: Double round-robin (14 rounds)
⏳ Time Control:

120 minutes for first 40 moves
30 minutes for the rest
30-second increment from move 41

💰 Prize Fund: Record €1,000,000

If players tie for first place, a playoff will decide the challenger. The World Championship Match will take place in November 2026.

Why This Event Matters for Chess Fans

The Candidates Tournament is often more dramatic than the World Championship itself. Every game matters. Every mistake is costly. Preparation is intense.

From late March, the entire chess world will watch Paphos. Sixteen of the world’s strongest players will fight for one goal. The right to challenge for the highest title in chess.

Stay tuned for daily updates and analysis here at Warrior Chess Academy.

Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS

Warrior Chess Academy