Anish Giri, Matthias Bluebaum Qualify for 2026 Candidates; Magnus Carlsen Reacts
Magnus Carlsen, the former World Chess Champion, has slammed FIDE over the ongoing 2026 Candidates Tournament qualification process, calling the system “incredibly cruel” for deciding spots via tie-breaks.
ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh Prepares for Don 3 After Finishing Dhurandhar
At the recently concluded Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, Anish Giri and Matthias Bluebaum finished first and second respectively, securing their places in the eight-player 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. While big names such as Alireza Firouzja, Hans Niemann, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vincent Keymer were in contention, they missed out due to tie-breaks. Meanwhile, the lesser-known Matthias Bluebaum surprised everyone by sealing his berth.
Speaking on the Take Take Take podcast, Magnus Carlsen, who is not participating in the current FIDE cycle, expressed his disapproval of the qualification rules. “I am out of that game. I am not making those rules. I am a mere spectator at this… it has to be said that it’s incredibly cruel to decide the Candidates spots by tie-breaks as they do. I don’t think it’s a good way to decide Candidates spots, but whatever,” he said.
When asked about his preference for who should qualify, Carlsen added, “I don’t really hope for anybody, but I generally hope to see the best there. Probably a couple of more young guys, but there’s not much to choose from. I hope Alireza makes it, but I am not even sure if he’s going to even play in the World Cup.”