R Vaishali will face China’s Ju Wenjun in the Women’s World Championship match | Photo Credit: SRINATH M

The FIDE World Championship match between reigning champion D. Gukesh and challenger Javokhir Sindarov is provisionally scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 17 later this year, with the world body opening the bidding process for countries to host the event on Thursday.

It remains to be seen whether India, and Chennai in particular, will show strong interest in hosting the marquee event, given that Gukesh is from the city. R. Vaishali, the challenger for the Women’s World Championship, is also from Tamil Nadu.

The match between Gukesh and Sindarov, who remained unbeaten at the Candidates 2026, will be the youngest World Championship clash in chess history, with both players set to be 20 when the event begins.

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Earlier this year, A.K. Verma, Head of Operations at the All India Chess Federation, told Sportstar that India would make a strong push to bring the World Championship matches to the country, especially with Indians featuring in both categories.

FIDE has released a list of requirements for potential bidders, including an estimated total event budget of USD 8.5 million. The minimum prize fund has been set at USD 2.5 million, while the FIDE fee will be USD 1.1 million.

Payments for commercial, sponsorship and broadcasting rights will have to be specified in the bidders’ proposals.

FIDE has also stated that its final decision will be based on the overall conditions offered by the bidders and the interests of chess development.

Published on Apr 30, 2026