Paths to Candidates
In the 2025–2026 cycle, players reach Candidates through four independent qualifiers. Earlier cycles also had a Wild Card — there is none in this cycle.
FIDE Circuit
Annual cumulative points ranking across eligible tournaments (round-robin / open / swiss). Points are awarded by a formula that accounts for average opponent rating. In the 2025–2026 cycle the winners of Circuit 2024 and Circuit 2025 qualify.
FIDE Grand Swiss
A single Swiss-system tournament of 11 rounds. The top 2 finishers earn Candidates slots.
FIDE World Cup
Knockout tournament for ~200 players with elimination matches. The top 3 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) earn Candidates slots.
Rating Qualifier
The player with the highest average rating across 6 consecutive monthly Standard ELO lists (August 2025 – January 2026). Minimum games: 40 from February 2025 to January 2026, including ≥15 in any 6 consecutive rating lists.