Conclusion of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament

The 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament concluded with a closing ceremony at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Paphos, Cyprus. The event served as the final stage to determine the challengers for the World Chess Championship title. During the ceremony, a pre-recorded message from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides acknowledged the significance of the event. FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand addressed the transition between generations in professional chess. Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan and Vaishali Rameshbabu from India were declared the winners of the tournament. Their victory grants them the official right to challenge the reigning World Chess Champions. The ceremony also featured a congratulatory video message for Sindarov from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.