Which players finish strong?

The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament is almost here, and GM Jan Gustafsson joins the podcast to break down the entire field. As a leading opening theoretician who has worked on GM Magnus Carlsen’s World Championship team, Jan brings unique insight into this high-stakes event. Jan will be on site in Cyprus providing commentary alongside his longtime friend GM Peter Svidler. In this episode we go player by player discussing the contenders’ chances, from rising stars like Praggnanandhaa and Javokhir Sindarov to established veterans like Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. Jan shares insights on preparation, momentum, and who is most likely to win the Candidates and earn the right to challenge for the World Championship. We also discuss the Women’s Candidates Tournament, pop culture, and Jan’s latest projects.

Episode Recorded on March 11, 2016

0:00 Intro – Candidates preview with GM Jan Gustafsson

You can buy tickets to the Chess in the Schools Poker/Chess Fundraiser here:

https://secure.givelively.org/event/chess-in-the-schools-inc/chess-in-the-schools-3rd-annual-charity-poker-tournament

Check out Jan’s Chessable courses here:

Be sure to check out Chessiverse.com, and use code “Perpetual30” for a discount on premium features and IM John Bartholomew’s course. 

5:16 Jan Gustafsson joins the show

6:36 Patreon mailbag question: Strategy for the Candidates tournament

12:55 Matthias Bluebaum preview

Mentioned: Kalshi FIDE Candidate’s Odds:

https://kalshi.com/markets/kxchesscandidates/chess-candidates-champion/kxchesscandidates-26

17:18 Andrey Esipenko preview

22:39 Praggnanandhaa preview

26:35 Javokhir Sindarov preview

31:20 Anish Giri preview

33:52 Wei Yi preview

39:00 Fabiano Caruana preview

44:42 Hikaru Nakamura preview

49:57 Predictions for the winner

52:40 Women’s Candidates preview

57:00- Patreon mailbag question: What would Jan like to keep as is in the chess world, and what would he like to see changed?

1:00:05 Closing thoughts, tv shows, nonsense. 

Mentioned: Jeselnik book club:

https://anthonyjeselnik.com/the-jeselnik-book-club

1:06:00- Thanks to Jan for joining! Be sure to tune in to the FIDE YouTube channel for his Candidates coverage, sub to Janistan TV on Twitch, and check out his Chessable courses here. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices