India, Dec. 13 -- Despite the absence of Magnus Carlsen, the line-up for the upcoming 2026 Candidates Tournament is still packed with heavy competition. Hikaru Nakamura qualified as the highest-rated player, due to Carlsen's absence. Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana qualified as the 2024 FIDE Circuit winner and R Praggnanandhaa secured his berth as the 2025 FIDE Circuit winner. Anish Giri and Matthias Bluebaum qualified after finishing as Grand Swiss winner and runner-up respectively.

Meanwhile, Javokhir Sindarov got his Candidates berth after winning the 2025 Chess World Cup. Meanwhile, Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko also qualified after coming second and third at the World Cup in Goa.

Speaking to Sportstar, Wesley So dropped his verdict on the ...