As the global chess community converges on Cyprus for the highly anticipated 2026 Candidates tournament, the name Anish Giri remains inextricably linked to a singular, frustrating memory from a decade ago. That memory is his legendary performance in the 2016 Candidates, where he achieved 14 draws in 14 games, earning him the enduring nickname "King of Draws."
The 'Drawish Giri' Stereotype Is a Myth, Says Nihal Sarin
However, as the 31-year-old Dutch No. 1 sets his sights on the Candidates crown ten years later, aiming for the right to challenge reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has come forward to vehemently dismiss this persistent stereotype. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com on the eve of the tournament, Sarin argued that labeling Giri as a drawish player ignores the complex realities of elite chess competition.
"I very, very strongly believe that people saying Anish is a drawish player is complete nonsense, honestly," Nihal Sarin stated emphatically. "I believe he’s a huge fighter, actually. The draw thing is definitely a bit of a myth."
Giri's Winning Intent and Preparation Hurdles
Anish Giri himself is acutely aware of the narrative surrounding his playing style. Discussing his preparation with TimesofIndia.com, the Dutch Grandmaster revealed the unique challenges of a Candidates cycle. He noted that he had to delay hiring coaching assistants, known as seconds, because his top choices were so exceptionally skilled that they ended up qualifying for the tournament themselves, becoming his direct opponents.
"I understand really well what makes a good second because that second was so good he became my opponent," Giri remarked with a touch of humor.
Nihal Sarin pointed to Giri's decisive victory at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss as concrete evidence of his winning mentality. In that tournament, Giri finished unbeaten, securing five wins and six draws to qualify for the 2026 Candidates.
"To win the tournament by half a point, he clearly did win a fair few games as well," Sarin observed. "A lot of draws happen when top players are clashing because that is what chess is. If both play to their absolute potential, it will be a draw. Chess is like that only."
Nihal Sarin's Predictions for the 2026 Candidates Field
While many chess analysts are intensely focused on American powerhouses Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, Nihal Sarin's assessment of the 2026 Candidates suggests a far more volatile and open competition. Although he respects the established American giants, he highlighted Uzbekistan's rising star, Javokhir Sindarov, as a serious contender.
"If I had to make a guess, maybe Fabi or Sindu [Sindarov]," Nihal told TimesofIndia.com. "Sindarov is having a great year so far and playing some amazing chess. And of course, if Pragg has a good event, then absolutely. You can also never count Hikaru out."
Sarin also issued a caution against underestimating two-time European Champion Matthias Bluebaum. While some critics describe Bluebaum's style as merely pragmatic, Nihal perceives a dangerously effective strategy.
"He’s insanely good at being kind of safe. Not drawish, but safe. He is extremely good at punishing if opponents try to go berserk against him. That is a very smart way of winning games," Nihal explained.
A Tightly Contested Women's Candidates Tournament
Turning his analytical eye to the Women's Candidates tournament, Nihal Sarin believes this competition is even more unpredictable than the Open section.
"I really wouldn't be surprised at all whoever wins. I think everyone can beat everyone there," he said.
Nevertheless, he leaned toward experience as the potential decisive factor in the women's event.
"I would guess probably Aleksandra Goryachkina or Tan Zhongyi is likely to win because they have done it before. I believe it's a bit easier having that belief, that because you have done it before, you can do it again."
Reputations Mean Little as the Chess Marathon Begins
As the grueling Candidates marathon commences, labels such as "Drawish Giri" or "underdog Bluebaum" hold minimal significance. In the high-stakes arena of elite chess, past narratives can quickly become obsolete.
"Absolutely everybody can win," Nihal Sarin concluded, encapsulating the open and fiercely competitive nature of the 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus.
