Abdusattorov Opens 2026 With a Massive Rating Surge

The first FIDE rating list of 2026 has delivered one of the most impressive early‑year performances in recent memory. Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, already known as one of the brightest young stars in world chess, has gained +19 classical rating points after a dominant run at the 2025 London Chess Classic.

This surge not only restores the points he lost at the 2025 FIDE World Cup — it pushes him firmly back into the global elite and sets the tone for what could be one of his strongest competitive years yet.

A Statement Performance in London
Abdusattorov’s London run was nothing short of remarkable. He scored six consecutive wins against 2600+ grandmasters, showing a level of consistency and precision that few players in the world can match. His tactical sharpness, opening preparation, and endgame technique all looked polished and confident.

For a player who has already won the World Rapid Championship and challenged the very best, this rating jump signals that he is entering 2026 with renewed momentum.

A Rising Generation Continues to Impress
The January 2026 rating list also highlights several other notable shifts:

Yagiz Erdogmus rises to world #2 among juniors.
Nihal Sarin gains +15 points, strengthening his position in the 2700 club.
Bibisara Assaubayeva secures the final Women’s Candidates spot after her performance at the 2025 World Blitz Championship.
This new generation — Abdusattorov, Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Firouzja, and others — continues to reshape the top of world chess.

What Abdusattorov’s Surge Means for 2026
With Candidates qualification cycles, elite super‑tournaments, and rapid/blitz championships ahead, Abdusattorov’s early‑year form positions him as a major contender across formats.

If he maintains this level, 2026 could be the year he breaks into the absolute top tier — or even challenges for a future Candidates spot.

His performance in London wasn’t just a rating gain. It was a message.

 
Sources:
Chess.com  FIDE Ratings Coverage — https://www.chess.com/news/view/january-2026-fide-ratings
FIDE Rating List — https://www.fide.com