Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has expressed confidence that the traditional World Chess Championship, played in the Classical format, will continue to remain the pinnacle of the sport despite the launch of the new Chess World Championship Tour. The Tour, approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will begin in pilot mode next year and is set to become an annual event from 2027. It aims to crown a unified champion across three formats — Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz — marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape.
Speaking to PTI during the Dharavi Chess Championship on Friday, the 19-year-old Grandmaster said he has not yet fully reviewed the regulations of the new Tour. However, he highlighted a crucial detail: the winner of the Tour will earn a spot in the Candidates Tournament, reinforcing that the Classical World Championship will remain the sport’s top priority.
“I honestly haven’t really read through the regulations properly, so I don’t know how everything is shaped,” Praggnanandhaa said.
“But I do know that the winner of that will be qualified as a Candidate, so that essentially means the World Championship is still the priority.”
Earlier in October, Norway Chess CEO Kjell Madland confirmed that a long-term agreement with FIDE had been finalised for the Chess World Championship Tour, officially establishing it as part of the global chess calendar.
More Opportunities, More Formats
Praggnanandhaa welcomed the introduction of new tournaments, noting they will create more avenues for players to earn a livelihood, particularly those who gravitate towards quicker formats such as Rapid and Blitz.
“I am happy to see that there are new opportunities for players… getting more opportunities for them to play is amazing,” he said.
“In terms of format, there are constant shifts happening. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad, but as a player, sometimes it’s difficult to adjust.”
He added that while the evolving formats pose challenges, the expanding tournament ecosystem is a positive development for the sport.
Eyes on the 2026 Candidates Tournament
Having qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025, Praggnanandhaa is preparing for one of the toughest competitions in chess — the gateway to challenging for the World Championship title.
He said his training will remain holistic, focusing equally on rest, mental preparation, and game-study.
“Everything is important. I will try to prepare well and take one game at a time,” he said.
“It’s too far-fetched to think of winning already — though of course that’s the goal. I believe I can do it, so I’ll give my best.”
Returning to Mumbai: A City of Milestones
Back in Mumbai — the place where he became the first Indian male player to win the World Youth Chess Championship (U-18 Open) in 2019 at age 14 — Praggnanandhaa said records alone don’t drive him.
“I don’t think the records matter. What matters is that I played well and won the tournament,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey since 2019, he said visiting the city brings back positive feelings and reinforces how far Indian chess has come.
“Chess has been growing… people everywhere in India are getting to know the game, getting interested, getting to know the players. I am very happy to see that,” he added.
As Indian chess continues its rapid rise, Praggnanandhaa remains one of its brightest stars, balancing ambition, groundedness, and an unwavering respect for the Classics.