India’s chess star R Praggnanandhaa on Monday officially qualified for the 2026 Candidates after winning the FIDE Circuit in 2025. Last week, Pragg had emerged as the joint winner of the London Chess Classic 2025 Open and it was a matter of time till he would be eligible for the Candidates. The official announcement was made on Monday with the player himself confirming it by his social media post.

The 19-year-old has been the best FIDE Circuit player throughout the year, winning the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and London Chess Classic Open and finishing second in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and 12th Sinquefield Cup.

“A long year on the FIDE Circuit, and I’m grateful to earn a place in the 2026 Candidates. Thank you for all the constant sup

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