C-Squared Podcast

Fabi gets real about Gukesh's controversial cheating comments, reveals how his Candidates camp is shaping up, and we dive into the E-Sports World Cup threatening to clash with the Grand Chess Tour. Plus: Why are Super GMs suddenly playing in open tournaments? And our full Prague Masters preview. 📌 The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament starts March 29 in Cyprus. Fabi plays White against Hikaru Nakamura in Round 1, an All American Clash! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes as we count down to the Candidates! ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

The boys connect to talk about the biggest news of the week. The chaotic Speed Chess Championship is over, and we unpack everything that happed in London, and much more. Episode sponsored by our friends at https://www.chessreps.com/ ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:35 Overview of last week 03:15 Tata Steel Recap 15:02 Tata Steel B Group 22:50 Polgar Netflix Documentary 24:20 Speed Chess Championship Review 46:00 Grand Chess Tour VS Esports World Cup Clash #magnuscarlsen #fabianocaruana #speedchess

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr 00:00 Intro 00:42 Comeback 03:30 Grand Slam & Wimbeldon of Chess 04:44 Wijk aan zee History 07:50 Chess has become a young sport 16:00 Strongest 15 years old 26:55 Chess Engine Power 33:44 Candidates performance in Tata Steel 37:24 Who win Tata Steel? 45:25 Gukesh Blundered 52:45 Fabi reveals his Candidates Prep 56:49 Freestyle World Championship #chess #fabianocaruana #tatasteelchess

Matt Thomas, founder of chess boxing in the U.S., and James Canty III, the heavyweight chess boxing champion, share their unique journeys. They delve into the parallels between chess and boxing, revealing how breathing techniques enhance performance in both sports. James breaks down his championship fight, while Matt discusses the importance of mental toughness and exposure therapy for athletes. They also highlight upcoming plans for hybrid combat sports, merging chess with other martial arts to create innovative training programs.

Fabiano Caruana, an elite chess grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, joins Cristian to break down the World Cup semifinals. They discuss the unexpected blunder that handed Wei Yi a spot in the candidates, alongside a thrilling clash between two Uzbek superstars. Fabiano dives into the players' strategies, explaining why many top matches end in draws for rapid play advantages. He reflects on his own experiences in candidates, predicting the readiness of Wei Yi and Sindarov for the upcoming challenges.

Follow this Masterclass analysis by checking the video on our Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@csqpodCheck this episode's sponsor, Chessreps, at chessreps.com

Fabiano Caruana, a world-class chess grandmaster and former Candidates contender, shares his insights on the chaotic World Cup results. Reacting to shocking upsets, he analyzes the intense knockout format and its implications for the Candidates. Fabiano dives into standout performances, like Donchenko's deep run and Jose Martinez's surprising victories. He also discusses the pressure of minimal opening preparation and recounts his own demanding World Cup experience, all while maintaining a lighthearted banter about travel mishaps.

Fabiano Caruana, a world-class chess grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, dives into the excitement of the World Cup. He shares insights on the intense Magnus-Gukesh rivalry and debates the future of the 'total' world championship. The conversation highlights surprising player performances, including a young upset by Faustino and Wesley So's unexpected resignation. Fabiano also shares his predictions for candidates, naming favorites like Levon and Arjun while discussing the challenges of tournament endurance. A must-listen for chess enthusiasts!

♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr

Magnus stops to chat with Cristian after returning to St. Louis for the first time since the infamous episode from Sinquefield Cup 2022. He tells us how fatherhood changed him, his training for Clutch Chess, and more. ♟️Play With Us: https://www.chess.com/join/csqpod?ref_id=207174611 👕MERCH: https://c-squared.shop/ 🌐 Website: https://c2pod.com/ ☕Buy Us A Coffee : buymeacoffee.com/c2pod 🐦Twitter/X : https://x.com/CSQpod 📸Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/csqpod/ 💬Discord : https://discord.gg/XeP3tENMTr