EP 188 | Will Sindarov Win the 2026 FIDE Candidates?

from Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast · host IM Kostya Kavutskiy, IM David Pruess, GM Jesse Kraai

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.club Watch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Play Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo At the halfway mark of the 2026 Candidates, one storyline has taken over: Sindarov is dominating the field. But is this a historic breakthrough—or just a heater that the rest of the players will adjust to? We break down his incredible run, from elite opening prep to relentless time pressure and confident decision-making. Is anyone capable of catching him? Or is it already over? We also dive into Fabi’s quietly strong performance, the psychology of players falling out of contention, and what to expect in the second half of the tournament. Drama, collapse potential, and one big question: is this inevitability… or just the beginning? 00:00 Candidates Midway Overview 00:21 The Sindarov Story 01:44 How He’s Winning (Openings & Clock Pressure) 04:09 Best Games So Far 06:39 Opponents Start Adjusting? 10:32 Risky Style & Confidence Boost 12:49 Can Anyone Catch Him? 13:57 Fabi’s Chances 23:14 Motivation & Tournament Psychology 27:50 Problems with Candidates Format Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel? Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojo Donate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.club Twitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojo Discord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFw Twitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojo Patreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojo Podcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.com TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips

What this episode covers

Join the Dojo - https://chessdojo.clubWatch Live - https://twitch.tv/chessdojoPlay Chess - https://go.chess.com/chessdojo At the halfway mark of the 2026 Candidates, one storyline has taken over: Sindarov is dominating the field. But is this a historic breakthrough—or just a heater that the rest of the players will adjust to? We break down his incredible run, from elite opening prep to relentless time pressure and confident decision-making. Is anyone capable of catching him? Or is it already over? We also dive into Fabi’s quietly strong performance, the psychology of players falling out of contention, and what to expect in the second half of the tournament. Drama, collapse potential, and one big question: is this inevitability… or just the beginning? 00:00 Candidates Midway Overview00:21 The Sindarov Story01:44 How He’s Winning (Openings & Clock Pressure)04:09 Best Games So Far06:39 Opponents Start Adjusting?10:32 Risky Style & Confidence Boost12:49 Can Anyone Catch Him?13:57 Fabi’s Chances23:14 Motivation & Tournament Psychology27:50 Problems with Candidates Format Merch - https://www.chessdojo.club/shop Want to support the channel?Patreon - https://patreon.com/chessdojoDonate - https://streamelements.com/chessdojo/tip Find all of our chess book & supplies recommendations (& more!) on our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chessdojo Shopping through our link is a great way to support the Dojo. We earn a small affiliate % but at no cost to you. Website: https://chessdojo.clubTwitch: https://twitch.tv/chessdojoDiscord: https://discord.gg/GhKsJtjpFwTwitter: https://twitter.com/chessdojoPatreon: https://patreon.com/chessdojoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chessdojoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chessdojoPodcast: https://chessdojotalks.podbean.comTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@/chessdojoclips