Indian chess star R Praggnanandhaa has won the FIDE Circuit 2025, creating history for Indian chess. With this big achievement, Praggnanandhaa has officially qualified for the Candidates Tournament 2026, which decides who will challenge the World Chess Champion. He is now the only Indian male player to qualify for Candidates 2026 through the FIDE Circuit.
The FIDE Circuit is a year-long system where players earn points by performing well in top international tournaments. Praggnanandhaa showed excellent consistency throughout 2025. He played several strong events against the world’s best players and delivered important wins at crucial moments. His calm mindset, strong opening preparation, and fearless attacking style helped him score enough points to finish at the top of the circuit.
This achievement is very special because the Candidates Tournament is the toughest stage in world chess. Only a few elite players get the chance to play there. By qualifying, Praggnanandhaa has taken one more step towards his dream of becoming World Chess Champion. Chess experts say his growth over the last few years has been remarkable, especially after his strong performances in global tournaments.
Along with Praggnanandhaa, three Indian women players have also qualified for the Candidates 2026. Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R Vaishali have all secured their spots through different qualification paths. This shows the rising strength of Indian chess, both in the men’s and women’s categories.
Koneru Humpy brings experience and stability, while Vaishali is known for her aggressive and fighting style. Young star Divya Deshmukh represents the new generation of fearless Indian players. Together, they make India one of the strongest nations in world chess today.
Indian chess fans are celebrating this historic moment. Having four Indian players in the Candidates is a proud achievement and reflects the success of grassroots training, strong coaching, and growing chess culture in the country. The road to the World Championship will not be easy, but Indian players are now ready to compete at the highest level.
The Candidates Tournament 2026 is expected to be highly competitive, and all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa and the Indian women stars as they aim to make history again.
Key Points
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Praggnanandhaa won the FIDE Circuit 2025
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Qualified for Candidates Tournament 2026
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Only Indian male player to qualify via FIDE Circuit
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Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R Vaishali also qualified
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Big moment for Indian chess on the global stage
