With the Candidates Tournament just around the corner, the excitement is starting to build. Eight of the world’s best are set to battle it out in one of chess’s most demanding events. But who is actually in the best form right now? In this article, A Ganesan takes a closer look at how each contender has performed against elite 2700+ opposition over the past year. The numbers reveal some clear trends, surprising insights, and a few hidden dangers. And while the stats point towards a few favourites, the candidates have a way of defying expectations. Read the full article for the complete breakdown. Photo: FIDE

Gukesh has achieved what many of the greatest players could only dream of at his age: becoming a World Champion! Naturally, this leads to an intriguing question that many chess fans wonder about. How does Gukesh at 19 compare with the legends of the game when they were the same age? In this article, A Ganesan takes a historical journey through the early careers of some iconic champions. By examining their achievements, setbacks and growth at 19, the article places Gukesh’s remarkable rise into a broader historical perspective. Read on to see where the young world champion stands among the giants of chess history. Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

The Candidates Tournament is the ultimate proving ground for chess players. Eight elite players compete over fourteen rounds for the right to challenge the World Champion. Predictions and rating lists often dominate the discussion beforehand. But what do the numbers from past tournaments actually tell us? A look at the statistics from recent editions reveals several clear patterns behind victory. In this article, A. Ganesan explains the trends that have shaped previous Candidates winners.