World Champion Gukesh Scales Back Grand Chess Tour Schedule, Opts for Two European Events
MUMBAI — Reigning world chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju has withdrawn from the full 2026 Grand Chess Tour schedule, opting instead to compete in two rapid and blitz events in Europe as he looks to regain form.
Tour organizers confirmed Tuesday that Gukesh will participate as a wildcard in the Rapid & Blitz tournaments in Warsaw and Zagreb but will skip the remaining events on the calendar.
In a statement, Gukesh cited recent struggles and the need to refocus his training.
“My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me. In order to find my best form, my team and I have decided that I should compete with slightly less intensity over the next few months,” he said.
“Consequently, we feel it is in my best interest to skip long events away from home to allow for more dedicated training time. With this in mind, I approached the Grand Chess Tour organizers and asked to play only two European Rapid & Blitz events. They were very supportive and understanding, and we agreed that I would participate in the Rapid & Blitz tournaments in Warsaw and Zagreb this year.”
Gukesh added that he does not plan to compete in other Grand Chess Tour events this season but intends to return to the full circuit in the future.
The Grand Chess Tour also announced that Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov will replace Gukesh as a full tour participant. Sindarov, the reigning FIDE World Cup champion, earned his spot following strong performances in recent international competitions and will compete in Warsaw, Bucharest, and both Saint Louis events.
“We respect Gukesh’s decision and welcome his participation in the Rapid & Blitz events in Warsaw and Zagreb,” said Alex Onischuk, deputy executive director of the Grand Chess Tour. “At the same time, we’re excited to have Javokhir Sindarov join the full Tour. He has demonstrated exceptional form at the highest level, and we look forward to his participation throughout the 2026 season.”
The 2026 Grand Chess Tour features a series of elite international tournaments, beginning with the Super Rapid & Blitz Poland event in Warsaw from May 3 to 10, followed by the Super Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest from May 12 to 24.
The tour continues with the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia event in Zagreb from June 29 to July 6, before heading to Saint Louis for the Rapid & Blitz tournament from July 31 to Aug. 7, the Sinquefield Cup from Aug. 8 to 21, and the GCT Finals from Aug. 21 to 28.
Gukesh is also expected to defend his world title against the winner of the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which will determine his next challenger. (Source: IANS)
