"Chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa reflects on performance: Aiming for reboot in 2026 Candidates"

Indian Grandmaster Pragg Eyeing Major Opportunities in 2026

After an intense schedule in the second half of 2025, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, popularly known as Pragg, is gearing up for two months of strategic preparation leading into the Candidates 2026 tournament. This year holds significant prospects for the young chess prodigy, as he aims to secure a World Championship challenger spot.

Being the sole Indian representative at the upcoming Candidates tournament, Pragg will face off against compatriot D Gukesh in a battle for the coveted World Championship challenger position. Additionally, both players will unite to defend India's gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

Despite a remarkable performance in the first half of 2025 with victories at prestigious events like the Tata Steel Masters and the Uzchess Cup, Pragg faced some setbacks towards the end of the year. His participation in tournaments like the Grand Chess Tour finals and the World Rapid and Blitz Championship did not meet his usual high standards.

While acknowledging the dip in his performance, Pragg remains optimistic about the upcoming challenges. Reflecting on his continuous engagement in tournaments, he acknowledged the need to enhance the quality of his gameplay to achieve better results.

Looking back at his demanding schedule in 2025, where he competed in numerous events to secure his qualification for the Candidates, Pragg now aims to utilize the upcoming break in February and March to regroup and refine his skills before the crucial tournament in Cyprus.

Expressing his commitment to elevating his performance, Pragg emphasized the importance of the upcoming year, marked by the Candidates and the World Championship. With a keen focus on honing his skills and delivering his best, the young Grandmaster is determined to make a mark in the world of chess.

As the chess world eagerly awaits Pragg's next moves, his journey towards the World Championship challenger title promises to be filled with anticipation, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.