Javokhir Sindarov on Candidates Tournament: ‘I Played Counter-Strike Every Day’

Uzbekistani chess grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov revealed an unconventional preparation method during his historic Candidates Tournament win, stating he played the video game Counter-Strike daily to manage the intense pressure of competing for a World Chess Championship challenge.

The 20-year-old Sindarov made history by winning his first Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju for the title. His victory came with record-breaking performance in the elite 14-player double round-robin event.

Speaking about the mental toll of the competition, Sindarov shared his unique coping strategy: I played Counter-Strike every day. This approach helped him maintain focus and relieve stress during the grueling tournament held in Toronto.

Sindarov’s path to the Candidates included winning the 2025 Chess World Cup, which qualified him for the eight-player tournament. His victory there was particularly notable as he defeated several higher-ranked opponents en route to qualifying.

The young grandmaster also addressed the influence of FC Bayern Munich’s chess trainer on his preparation. While specific details about the trainer’s role were not disclosed in his comments, Sindarov acknowledged the connection between the German football club’s chess program and his development.

At just 20 years old, Sindarov has already established himself as one of chess’s rising stars. He became a grandmaster at the age of 12 years, 10 months and 8 days, making him one of the youngest players ever to achieve the title. He is also a two-time Uzbek national champion.

His current FIDE rating stands at 2745, placing him among the world’s elite players. This rating represents both his current and peak performance level, achieved in March and April 2026 respectively.

Sindarov’s Candidates Tournament victory marks a significant milestone not only for his personal career but also for Uzbek chess. As the first player from Uzbekistan to win the Candidates and earn a World Championship challenge, he has inspired a latest generation of players in his home country.

The upcoming World Championship match against Gukesh Dommaraju will pit two of the game’s youngest talents against each other. Dommaraju, who won the title in 2024, represents the next generation of chess excellence alongside Sindarov.

Reflecting on the tournament experience, Sindarov emphasized the importance of mental resilience in elite chess competition. His daily Counter-Strike routine exemplifies how modern players are adapting traditional preparation methods to include digital stress relief techniques.

As preparations begin for the World Championship match, Sindarov’s unconventional approach highlights the evolving nature of professional chess training. His success despite – or perhaps because of – his gaming habit challenges conventional wisdom about elite athlete preparation.

The chess world now awaits the highly anticipated showdown between Sindarov and Dommaraju, scheduled for later in 2026. This match promises to be a fascinating contest between two prodigies who have reached the pinnacle of the sport at remarkably young ages.

For continued coverage of Javokhir Sindarov’s journey to the World Chess Championship and other developing sports stories, visit Archysport.com for reliable, in-depth reporting.