The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 is already generating significant buzz, with streamers and top players eagerly sharing their analyses of the early results. A common narrative has emerged, casting Matthias Bluebaum as the tournament’s biggest underdog. However, is this perception truly justified?
With an impressive rating approaching 2700 and having secured back-to-back European Championship titles, Bluebaum’s strong credentials are difficult to overlook. In a recent segment, chess expert Robert Ris takes a closer look at one of Bluebaum’s standout victories. Ris explains why the “underdog” label might still apply, and crucially, how this very designation could transform into his most potent weapon for defying expectations and potentially astonishing the entire field.
