All set for the FIDE Candidates 2024 in Toronto
Venue: The Great Hall in Toronto, Canada.
The countdown to the highly anticipated FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 has begun, and chess enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly await the thrilling battles. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.
Players and Ratings
In the open section, the tournament will feature a star-studded lineup of players with impressive FIDE ratings. Eight elite players will fight over the board.
- Fabiano Caruana (2803)
- Hikaru Nakamura (2789)
- Alireza Firouzja (2760)
- Ian Nepomniachtchi (2758)
- Praggnanandhaa (2747)
- D. Gukesh (2743)
- Vidit Gujrathi (2727)
- Nijat Abasov (2632)
The women’s section will also see formidable competitors, each with its impressive ratings. Eight female chess players will fight in this section for glory.
- Aleksandra Goryachkina (2553)
- Lei Tingjie (2550)
- Koneru Humpy (2546)
- Kateryna Lagno (2542)
- Tan Zhongyi (2521)
- Anna Muzychuk (2520)
- R. Vaishali (2474)
- Nurgyul Salimova (2430)
Indian Representation
The FIDE Chess Candidates Tournament 2024 is poised to showcase talent, strategy, and determination. Let’s take a closer look at the Indian players representing their nation with pride in both the open and women’s sections.
Open Section
R. Praggnanandhaa: At just 17 years old, Praggnanandhaa has already made waves in the chess world with his prodigious talent and remarkable achievements. His inclusion in the Candidates Tournament speaks volumes about his potential and promises thrilling battles.
D. Gukesh: Another young sensation, Gukesh, at the age of 15, has impressed chess enthusiasts with his mature and inventive style of play. His presence in the Candidates Tournament underscores his rapid rise in the chess hierarchy and adds an element of excitement to the competition.
Vidit Gujrathi: Vidit Gujrathi, a seasoned campaigner and one of India’s top grandmasters brings experience and expertise to the table. With his solid and resourceful approach, Vidit is well-equipped to tackle the formidable lineup of opponents and make his mark in the tournament.
Women’s Section
Koneru Humpy: A household name in Indian chess, Koneru Humpy is renowned for her exceptional talent and consistent performance on the international stage. As one of the top seeds in the women’s section, Humpy carries the hopes of her nation and is a strong contender for the title.
R. Vaishali: A rising star in Indian women’s chess, R. Vaishali has shown tremendous potential and determination in her pursuit of excellence. With her tenacity and fighting spirit, Vaishali aims to make a lasting impression in the Candidates Tournament and elevate Indian women’s chess to greater heights.
Stakes
The stakes are high in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, with the winners earning the right to challenge the World Champions – Ding Liren in the open section and Ju Wenjun in the women’s section – for the ultimate world title. This adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure for the players as they vie for victory.
Prize Money
A substantial prize fund awaits the participants, with 500,000 euros allocated for the open section and 250,000 euros for the women’s section. The top three winners in the open section will receive 48,000 euros, 36,000 euros, and 24,000 euros respectively, with an additional variable component of 3,500 euros for every half-point scored. The prizes for the women’s section are exactly half of those in the open.
Schedule
The tournament will start with an opening ceremony on April 3, 2024, followed by the first round on April 4, 2024. The matches will commence at 2:30 p.m. local time in Canada, translating to midnight in India. It’s a gruelling double round-robin event spanning 14 rounds, with rest days on April 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th. The final round is scheduled for April 21st, culminating in what promises to be an exhilarating finale.
