2026 FIDE Candidates Winners : Javokhir Sindarov and Vaishali Rameshbabu

Congratulations to GM Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan and WGM Vaishali Rameshbabu of India

With an unbeaten 14-game run and a commanding lead midway the tournament, Javokhir proved nearly impossible for the rest of the field to catch in the Open category.

In the women’s category, WGM Vaishali Rameshbabu—the lowest seed in the field—showed she truly deserved her place at the Candidates, sealing it with a flawless performance in the final round.

The two winners will go on to compete separately at the 2026 World Championship, each vying for the Open and Women’s World Championship titles.

We wish them luck in the upcoming event later this year.

Pictures of the winners in the Open and Women's category; Congratulations to all the winners.