India, Dec. 11 -- The participants for next year's Candidates Tournament have been confirmed. The winner of the 2026 Candidates will challenge D Gukesh for the World Championship title. But much to the disappointment of fans, Magnus Carlsen once again won't be featuring in the Candidates tournament, missing the World C'ship cycle for the second consecutive edition.

A five-time World Champion, Carlsen won all his titles consecutively, starting from his win against chess legend Viswanathan Anand in Chennai in 2013. He decided not to defend his title in 2022, which led to Ding Liren beating Ian Nepomniachtchi to become World Champion. Then last year, Liren lost to Gukesh, who became the youngest-ever FIDE World Champion in history.

Dutch G...