The Candidates Profiles
GM Daniel King profiles all eight Candidates
With the first round of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament set to begin on Sunday, 29 March, GM Daniel King has released a series of video profiles examining all eight participants. With more than three decades of professional experience as a player, author and long‑standing commentator on major chess events, King brings a measured and informed perspective to each contender’s recent form, stylistic tendencies and potential vulnerabilities.
The Candidates Tournament, held every two years, remains one of the most demanding events in chess: a double round‑robin spanning fourteen classical games. Consistency is paramount, and the winner earns the right to challenge reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju later this year. King’s series serves as a timely introduction, allowing viewers to familiarise themselves with the competitors before the tournament begins.
— GM Daniel King
The full video collection is hosted by ChessBase. As the event unfolds, King will continue his coverage with daily highlights, selecting and analysing key games from each round.
Nakamura enters as the highest‑rated player (2810) and a proven Candidates competitor. King highlights his consistency, his tactical sharpness in time trouble, and the advantage of having already experienced the fourteen‑round grind in 2024.
Caruana, the 2018 Candidates winner, is the bookmakers’ favourite. King notes his deep opening preparation, his ability to convert small advantages, and the need to overcome a recent dip in form (losses to So and Aronian in the American Cup).
Wei Yi returns to elite competition after his university break. King highlights his attacking creativity (the “immortal game” against Bruzon) and his newfound positional maturity. A dark horse capable of beating anyone.
Giri, the 2025 Grand Swiss winner, has shed his “Draw‑nish” reputation. King notes his improved confidence, his deep positional understanding, and his ability to punish over‑ambitious opponents.
The reigning World Cup champion is the youngest in the field (20). King highlights his fearless attacking style, his rapid‑play skills, and his ability to bounce back from setbacks (as shown in the World Cup final).
Pragg is making his second Candidates appearance. King notes his maturity, his experience against top‑level opposition, and his recent form dip (11th at Tata Steel 2026) – a factor that could work either way.
Esipenko, famous for defeating Carlsen at 18, has a solid positional style. King notes his resilience and his ability to neutralise stronger opponents, but questions whether he can produce enough wins to challenge for first place.
The surprise qualifier from the Grand Swiss is the lowest‑rated in the field. King notes his grinding style, his low error rate, and the immense challenge of competing against the world’s elite in a fourteen‑round marathon.
You can watch all eight video profiles on ChessBase. King’s analysis includes game examples and strategic insights drawn from his decades of experience as a world‑class player and commentator.
The first round begins on Sunday, 29 March at 15:00 local time (UTC+3). The headline pairing: Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura. Also on the board: Sindarov–Esipenko, Blübaum–Wei Yi, and Praggnanandhaa–Giri.
GM Daniel King will provide daily highlights throughout the tournament, selecting and analysing the key games from each round. You can follow his coverage on his YouTube channel and on ChessBase. The Gauntlet will also offer round‑by‑round reports, standings updates, and live commentary links.
For now, settle in with King’s video profiles – they’re the perfect way to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the eight players who will fight for the right to challenge Gukesh later this year.
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