Carlsen ranks Praggnanandhaa 3rd for 2026 Candidates

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has weighed in on the contenders for the upcoming 2026 Candidates Tournament. He identifies American players Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana as the frontrunners. Carlsen places India's R Praggnanandhaa as the third most likely winner, noting a distinct performance gap between these three and the remaining participants. The tournament is crucial as its victor secures a match against the reigning World Champion.

The 2026 Candidates Tournament is scheduled to commence on March 28 in Cyprus. Eight elite players are set to compete, with Praggnanandhaa being the sole Indian representative. Carlsen expressed that while Wei Yi is a strong player, he doubts his ability to accumulate enough wins for victory. He also commented on notable absences, suggesting players like Vincent Keymer deserved a spot based on their ratings.

Magnus Carlsen's insights highlight the intense competition expected in the 2026 Candidates. The tournament's outcome will determine who faces India's D Gukesh for the world title. The field includes formidable players from various nations, promising a captivating display of chess strategy and skill. Carlsen's ranking provides a clear hierarchy of favorites for this significant chess event.