Players
Qualification and achievements are based on FIDE materials. Photos come from Wikimedia (via Wikidata).
Hikaru Nakamura
USA • 2810
title odds 18.6%
price 29
Five-time US Champion, one of the strongest players in the world and a rapid/blitz legend.
Qualification
Qualified by rating spot (best average classical rating during the qualification period).
Recent / key achievements
- US Champion (5 times)
- Winner of Tata Steel 2011
- Winner of Norway Chess 2023
- World Rapid Champion 2022
- Olympiad gold 2016 (team)
Fabiano Caruana
USA • 2795
title odds 16.7%
price 27
One of the leading contenders of his generation: deep opening prep and calculation.
Qualification
Winner of the FIDE Circuit 2024.
Recent / key achievements
- Winner of the 2018 Candidates Tournament
- 2018 World Championship match (all classical games drawn)
- Winner of Sinquefield Cup 2014 (legendary 7/7 start)
- Winner of Tata Steel 2020
- Olympiad gold 2016 (team)
Wei Yi
CHN • 2754
title odds 12.5%
price 22
Chinese elite player famous for tactical sharpness; the youngest 2700 in history (age 15).
Qualification
Runner-up of the FIDE World Cup 2025 (Goa).
Recent / key achievements
- Youngest player in history to cross 2700 (at 15)
- Olympiad gold 2014 (team)
- 2015 World Team Championship winner
Anish Giri
NED • 2753
title odds 12.4%
price 22
One of the most consistent elite grandmasters of the decade, with world-class preparation and technique.
Qualification
Winner of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 (Samarkand).
Recent / key achievements
- Third Candidates appearance in his career (2026 is his third time)
- Olympiad bronze 2014 (team)
- Fought for first place at Candidates 2020-21 until the final rounds
Javokhir Sindarov
UZB • 2745
title odds 11.7%
price 22
Representative of the new generation: sharp openings, dynamism, and bold decisions.
Qualification
Winner of the FIDE World Cup 2025 (Goa).
Recent / key achievements
- Winner of the 2025 World Cup
- Olympiad gold 2022 (team, Uzbekistan)
R Praggnanandhaa
IND • 2741
title odds 11.4%
price 21
Outstanding calculation and versatility; one of the leaders of the new Indian generation.
Qualification
Winner of the FIDE Circuit 2025.
Recent / key achievements
- Winner of Tata Steel Masters 2024
- Part of the 2024 Olympiad-winning team (India)
- Second Candidates appearance (2026)
Matthias Bluebaum
GER • 2698
title odds 8.4%
price 18
Encyclopedic opening knowledge and strong endgame technique; a tough tournament player.
Qualification
Runner-up in the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 (Candidates debut).
Recent / key achievements
- Two-time European Champion
- Key player for Germany
Andrey Esipenko
FIDE • 2698
title odds 8.4%
price 18
Sharp ideas and fighting spirit; famous for a classical win over Magnus Carlsen.
Qualification
Third place at the FIDE World Cup 2025 (qualified via the third-place match).
Recent / key achievements
- Classical win over Magnus Carlsen
- Shared first at the 2022 European Championship