Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Candidates 2026: Vaishali, Praggnanandhaa in Contention
Chess players are trying to qualify for the Candidates Tournament in 2026, a big event to decide who gets to play the World Champion.
R. Vaishali has qualified.
Other Indian women, Humpy and Divya, are also in.
In the men's section, a few players have already qualified.
Praggnanandhaa is in a good position to qualify too, as well as Hikaru Nakamura.
The remaining spots will be decided in upcoming tournaments, with many other players having a chance.
Vaishali qualified for the Women’s Candidates 2026 by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss.
This is the second consecutive Candidates appearance for Vaishali.
Three Indian women will be in the Women's Candidates for the first time.
Praggnanandhaa is in a strong position to qualify for the Men's Candidates.
The FIDE World Cup in Goa will decide some remaining spots for men.
- Who
- R. Vaishali, Praggnanandhaa, and other chess players
- What
- Candidates Tournament 2026 qualification
- When
- Ongoing, with the tournament in 2026
- Where
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan and Goa, India
- Why
- To compete for the right to challenge the World Champion
- Event
- Candidates Tournament 2026
- Vaishali's Achievement
- Qualified for Women's Candidates 2026
- Other Indian Qualifiers
- Humpy & Divya
- Men's Section Qualifiers
- Caruana, Giri, Blübaum
- Remaining Men's Spots
- 5
- Men's Contenders
- Praggnanandhaa, Nakamura
- Next Tournament
- FIDE World Cup in Goa
Sources
FIDE Grand Swiss scenarios: How Arjun Erigaisi, the only Indian fighting for Candidates spot in Open section, can qualify
FIDE Grand Swiss Final Day LIVE Updates: Vaishali, Arjun Erigaisi in Candidates race; Gukesh, Divya, Pragg in action too
How can Arjun Erigaisi and Vaishali qualify for Candidates through Grand Swiss? Check all scenarios, result, pairings and standings of final round
Vaishali Rameshbabu Creates History, Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025 To Book Spot in Candidates 2026
FIDE Grand Chess: Vaishali qualifies for Candidates tournament
R Vaishali makes history at FIDE Grand Swiss as Arjun Erigaisi misses out on Candidates spot
Vaishali retains FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title, secures spot in Candidates tournament - Telegraph India
R Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss Again, Qualifies For Candidates Tournament
FIDE Grand Swiss Chess: R Vaishali finishes on top, qualifies for Women’s Candidates
R Vaishali wins FIDE Grand Swiss title, calls her mom on stage to receive trophy: ‘Most proud mother of the country’
Vaishali Wins FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament
PM Modi Hails Vaishali, Anandkumar for Global Sporting Triumphs
PM Modi Congratulates India’s Chess Prodigy Vaishali Rameshbabu and Speed Skater Anandkumar Velkumar
'Outstanding Accomplishment': PM Modi Congratulates Vaishali Rameshbabu, Hails Indian Chess Player On FIDE Women's Grand Swiss Win
R Vaishali Shares A Wholesome Moment With Her Mother After Historic Grand Swiss Win: WATCH
'Pride of a Mother': R Vaishali Brings Mom on Stage In Heartwarming Moment After Historic Grand Swiss Win
R Vaishali’s ‘tough moments’ fire her to chess history and FIDE Women's Grand Swiss title