Vidit Gujrathi and Hikaru Nakamura Secure Their Places in the Candidates Tournament
Vidit Gujrathi and Hikaru Nakamura emerged as the top two players at the star-studded 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament, securing their spots in next year’s Candidates Tournament. With impressive victories and strong performances throughout the event, these players have earned their tickets to the world championship qualifier.
Final Round Drama at the FIDE Grand Swiss
The final round of the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament was filled with excitement as six players were still in contention for a top-two finish and a chance to qualify for the Candidates Tournament. Although Vincent Keymer and Arjun Erigaisi had slim chances due to tiebreakers, they fought hard to overcome their half-point deficit. Keymer settled for a quick draw with Fabiano Caruana, while Erigaisi faced off against Nakamura in a crucial match.
Nakamura Secures His Candidates Berth
In a professional display, Nakamura strategically played for a draw, knowing that it would be enough to secure his place in the Candidates Tournament. This achievement marks another milestone in Nakamura’s comeback to the highest level of chess, as he secures back-to-back qualifications for the world championship qualifier event.
Vidit’s Impressive Victory
On the other board, Vidit faced off against Predke, knowing that only a win would guarantee his spot in the Candidates Tournament. With determination and skill, Vidit achieved a breakthrough and went on to secure a decisive victory. His outstanding performance throughout the tournament culminated in him becoming the sole winner of the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss.
Remaining Intrigue for the Candidates Tournament
With Vidit and Nakamura securing their places, there are still two remaining spots to be determined for the 2024 Candidates Tournament. The first spot will go to the winner of the FIDE Circuit, a system that tracks players’ performances in prestigious events. The second spot will be awarded to the highest-rated player in the official January 2024 rankings who has not already qualified.
| Player | Qualification Method |
|---|---|
| Ian Nepomniachtchi | Loser of the previous world championship match |
| Magnus Carlsen | Top finisher in the FIDE World Cup |
| Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa | Second top finisher in the FIDE World Cup |
| Fabiano Caruana | Third top finisher in the FIDE World Cup |
| Nijat Abasov | Fourth top finisher in the FIDE World Cup (if Carlsen declines) |
| Vidit Gujrathi | Top finisher in the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament |
| Hikaru Nakamura | Second top finisher in the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament |
| Winner of the FIDE Circuit | Player with the best results in prestigious events |
| Highest-rated player in January 2024 rankings | Player with the highest rating who has not already qualified |
Remaining Qualification Opportunities
The winner of the FIDE Circuit is currently Fabiano Caruana, but since he has already qualified through the World Cup, the frontrunner for this spot is Anish Giri. Giri’s strong performance in the Grand Swiss has put him in a favorable position. Other contenders include Gukesh D and Wesley So.
In terms of the highest-rated player spot, Alireza Firouzja maintains a ten-point lead over Giri and So, despite a disappointing performance in this tournament. The upcoming 2023 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz and the Sinquefield Cup will provide an exciting showdown between these players, determining who will claim the highest-rated spot.
As the year comes to a close, the World Rapid and Blitz Championships will be the final opportunity for players to earn points in the FIDE Circuit and potentially secure their place in the Candidates Tournament.
Source: DOTESPORTS
