According to world number one Magnus Carlsen, Javokhir Sindarov has a strong chance of dethroning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the World Chess Championship final later this year.
Speaking at a chess event in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 20, Carlsen did not shy away from making a prediction. “At this point, it’s almost impossible to pick anyone other than Sindarov, even though we all know anything can happen in a world championship match,” the Norwegian said.
Carlsen’s view is based on a clear difference in how he evaluates the two young talents in their early twenties. Gukesh still has certain limitations, especially in his ability to understand and handle complex positions. “Gukesh has very clear weaknesses in his understanding of the game, while Sindarov does not. The Uzbek player is far more well-rounded,” Carlsen commented.
This is not the first time Carlsen has been cautious in his assessment of Gukesh. The Indian grandmaster notably defeated him at the Norway Chess 2025 super tournament, in a game that saw Carlsen react strongly by slamming his hand on the table. Even so, Carlsen still believes Gukesh is not yet complete, especially compared to the stability and balance Sindarov is currently showing.
Sindarov’s rise over the past year provides strong support for this assessment. The Uzbek grandmaster recently won the 2026 Candidates Tournament with nearly flawless form. He scored 10 points out of 14 games, remained undefeated, and created a comfortable lead over the chasing pack early on.
His performance is considered one of the most impressive in the modern history of the Candidates. He won six of his first ten games before switching to a more pragmatic style to protect his advantage. Victories over direct rivals such as Fabiano Caruana and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa laid the foundation for his title, while his ability to control positions helped him maintain a long unbeaten streak.
Carlsen is not alone in backing Sindarov. Chess legend Garry Kasparov also leans toward the Uzbek’s chances. “If you look at the games, Sindarov is the clearer choice,” said the world champion from 1985 to 2000. “However, in a world championship match, psychological pressure and long-term preparation are decisive factors.”
According to Kasparov, Gukesh still possesses qualities that could make the difference. The Indian star stands out for his mental stability and defensive skills. “He can defend any position and find resources even in the most difficult situations,” Kasparov noted. “That factor helped him win the title in 2024 and maintain his place at the top.”
Experience in long matches is also an advantage for Gukesh. The upcoming match will last 14 games, requiring endurance and constant adaptation. Sindarov, meanwhile, has never played in a world championship match, although his recent form has been highly convincing.
The showdown between Sindarov and Gukesh also marks a special milestone for the chess world, as both players are only 20 years old. Kasparov even suggested that a Sindarov victory could create a more exciting scenario, potentially prompting Carlsen to consider a return to the title race. “I would like to see Sindarov play against Carlsen, because the Norwegian is still number one,” he said.
The 2026 World Chess Championship final will take place later this year. The exact date and location have not yet been determined.
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