As the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 heats up, chess enthusiasts, streamers, and grandmasters alike are buzzing with opinions on the early performances. A recurring theme in these discussions casts Matthias Bluebaum as the tournament’s most significant underdog. But does this label truly reflect his caliber?
Boasting an impressive rating near 2700 and the prestigious achievement of consecutive European Championship titles, Bluebaum’s chess prowess is undeniable. In a dedicated analysis, chess expert Robert Ris delves into one of Bluebaum’s recent masterful victories.
Ris explores the compelling reasons why, despite his strong credentials, the ‘underdog’ designation might still hold true, and crucially, how this perception could transform into his most potent strategic asset, enabling him to shock the competition.