Javokhir Sindarov holds the edge in trader sentiment for the 2026 World Chess Championship after his record-setting, undefeated victory in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, where he scored 10/14 with six wins and surged into the global top five. This dominant performance, combined with strong recent results in rapid and blitz events, has highlighted his preparation depth and consistency against elite fields. In contrast, defending champion Gukesh Dommaraju has struggled with form since claiming the title, posting multiple losses in events like the Prague Masters and Menorca Masters that dropped his ranking and fueled concerns over his current peak. The upcoming best-of-14 classical match will test whether Sindarov sustains this momentum or if Gukesh rebounds through experience in high-stakes title defenses.