Nepomniachtchi shared his prediction
Nepomniachtchi His Forecast for the Upcoming Chess Cycle: What Awaits the Elite and Who Will Be the Favorite
When it comes to global chess trends, Ian Nepomniachtchi’s opinion always carries special weight. A two-time World Championship challenger, a finalist in matches against Magnus Carlsen, and one of the strongest players of our era — Nepomniachtchi is not just part of the elite, but someone capable of analyzing the evolution of chess from the inside.
On the eve of the new chess cycle, he shared his forecast — offering several unexpected yet accurate insights.
The Chess World Is Changing, and the 2026–2028 Cycle Promises to Be Different
Nepomniachtchi emphasizes that the next two years will be transformative.
Classical chess is losing ground, rapid formats are taking the spotlight, and preparation is turning into a race between AI engines and teams of analysts.
This means the upcoming cycle won’t just be a series of tournaments — but a test of adaptation, flexibility, and psychological endurance.
Who Will Be the Favorite: Nepomniachtchi’s Prediction
1. Alireza Firouzja — a player who hasn’t said his last word
According to Ian, Firouzja still has enormous potential despite recent fluctuations in form.
He is dangerous in long events — provided he stabilizes his preparation.
2. Nodirbek Abdusattorov — the cycle’s main “silent killer”
Nepomniachtchi believes the Uzbek grandmaster has the ideal combination of traits: youth, composure, and phenomenal technique.
In classical chess, he is improving faster than anyone.
3. Praggnanandhaa — the master of future trends
The Indian grandmaster shows a maturity far beyond his age.
“Praggnan is a player without weaknesses,” Nepomniachtchi notes.
4. Ding Liren — a mystery that may explode at any moment
Despite his instability, Ian stresses that the reigning world champion can pull himself together.
But much will depend on his psychological state.
The Main Threats for All Participants of the Future Cycle
Nepomniachtchi highlights three factors that will matter more than ever:
1. Super-preparation powered by AI
Deep neural-network lines are being polished to perfection by entire teams. Whoever has the stronger analytical staff will have the edge.
2. A packed calendar
Players will have to juggle classical chess, rapid formats, and commercial events.
The ability to “switch the mind” will be crucial.
3. Psychology and the ability to maintain inner fire
Cycles are getting longer, the pressure higher.
According to Ian, even super talents can crack here.
How Chess Itself Is Changing: Nepomniachtchi’s View
Ian emphasizes:
chess is becoming more athletic, more technological, and faster.
- Preparation is turning into an industry.
- What happens between the games is becoming just as important as the games themselves.
- Rapid and blitz increasingly define the tone of the entire season.
“Classical chess won’t disappear, but its role is no longer the same,” says Nepomniachtchi.
The Cycle Will Be Unpredictable — and That’s What Makes It Exciting
Nepomniachtchi’s forecast leads to one crucial conclusion:
the old rules are no longer working.
Young players are storming upward, the pace is accelerating, and stability is becoming a new superpower.
The upcoming chess cycle is not just a fight for the title.
It is a clash of generations, styles, and philosophies of the game.
And that is why his prediction is already drawing interest — while the real battle promises to be even more intense.