New Delhi: Reigning World Champion D Gukesh is set to make a strong statement at the Prague International Chess Festival, beginning Wednesday, as he looks to secure his first title of 2026 after a mixed start to the year.
The young Indian grandmaster will be aiming to put behind his early exit from the World Cup and a disappointing campaign at the Tata Steel Masters. Ranked second seed in Prague, Gukesh faces a formidable field in the Masters section of the tournament.
Tough Competition at the Top
Top seed Vincent Keymer of Germany and Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov are expected to provide stiff competition. Both players have been in strong form recently, with Keymer currently placed fourth in the live ratings and Abdusattorov fifth. Gukesh, ranked 10th in live ratings, remains the highest-rated Indian player in the tournament.
Until recently, three Indian players featured in the world’s top 10 live ratings. However, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa have slipped down the rankings following a series of underwhelming performances.
Indian Challenge Led by Chidambaram
Joining Gukesh in the Masters category is defending champion Aravindh Chithambaram. The Prague event had previously marked a breakthrough moment in Chithambaram’s career, giving the Chennai-based player his first major international success.
Seeded seventh this year, Chithambaram will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing outing at Tata Steel and hopes to re-enter the prestigious 2700 Elo rating club. Replicating last year’s performance, however, will not be an easy task given the depth of the field.
International Stars in the Mix
The Masters lineup also includes American grandmaster Hans Niemann, who continues to attract global attention, and Iran’s Parham Maghsoodloo, known for his aggressive style of play.
Dutch grandmaster Jorden van Foreest, who has shown impressive consistency in recent tournaments, is also among the strong contenders.
Other notable participants in the nine-round Masters event include Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Yakubboev, Spain’s David Anton Guijarro, and Czech Republic’s local star David Navara.
Indian Presence in Challengers Section
In the Challengers category, India will be represented by veteran grandmaster Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, adding further depth to the country’s participation.
A Crucial Tournament for Gukesh
For Gukesh, Prague offers more than just a shot at silverware—it presents an opportunity to regain momentum and reaffirm his dominance on the global stage. With a highly competitive field and nine intense rounds ahead, the tournament promises high-quality chess and dramatic battles at the top.
As the 2026 season gathers pace, all eyes will be on the young world champion to see if he can deliver a bold comeback and claim his first title of the year in Prague.
