Garry Kasparov has weighed in on the upcoming FIDE World Championship 2026, expressing his view that Gukesh Dommaraju holds the advantage over challenger Javokhir Sindarov. In an interview, Kasparov stated that beating Gukesh is hardly possible, which led him to assign the defending champion better winning chances. Kasparov acknowledged his earlier criticism of Gukesh, noting that such reservations remain valid, yet he recognizes the value of young players reaching the sport's highest level.

Kasparov emphasized that experience plays the critical role in match competition. He drew a distinction between tournament play and the demands of a single-opponent format, suggesting that Gukesh's preparation and track record matter more than his recent performance at the Olympiad. Kasparov characterized Gukesh as a defensive player, comparing his style to a tennis competitor who stays near the baseline.

The championship will unfold in Geneva from November 25 to December 15, pitting the defending champion against the Candidates Tournament winner. While Kasparov assigned Gukesh the stronger position, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of chess, suggesting that should Sindarov seize the initiative, he could still overcome his opponent.