Tata Steel Chess 2026: New Format, Top Players & Indian Challenge Unveiled

• The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026, dubbed the "Wimbledon of Chess," begins January 17 in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.
• Four Indian players, including World Champion D Gukesh, defending champion R Praggnanandhaa, and top-rated Arjun Erigaisi, will compete in the Masters event.
• The Masters tournament features 14 top players in a classical round-robin format with a new time control similar to the FIDE Candidates Tournament.
• Tiebreak games will decide the champion if multiple players tie for first place, though prize money is shared equally.
• The Challengers tournament runs concurrently, with its winner earning a spot in the next year's Masters event.

Why It Matters: The Tata Steel Chess 2026 introduces new time controls and features top global and Indian talents.