Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja, a Full Tour Player in the 2026 Grand Chess Tour, has informed the Grand Chess Tour that he will not participate in the 2026 Sinquefield Cup due to a scheduling conflict and his decision to compete in another event.
As a Full Tour Player, Firouzja signed a player agreement committing to participate in specific Grand Chess Tour events. The agreement states:
“Player hereby agrees to participate in each of the Events to which Player commits pursuant to this Agreement. Should Player withdraw from any of the Events after signing this Agreement, Player will be considered to have withdrawn from the entire 2026 Grand Chess Tour and may be replaced in subsequent Events at the discretion of the Organizers.”
Accordingly, Firouzja has withdrawn from both the Sinquefield Cup and the remainder of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour. In accordance with the Full Tour Player Agreement, all Grand Chess Tour points earned by Firouzja during the 2026 season are null and void, and the applicable contractual penalties will be applied.
Grandmaster Samuel Sevian has been selected to replace Firouzja in the Sinquefield Cup field.
In his communication to the Grand Chess Tour, Firouzja cited a scheduling conflict and his desire, as France’s top-ranked player, to represent his country in another competition. The Grand Chess Tour respects every player’s right to make individual career decisions. At the same time, the Tour must consistently uphold the commitments and obligations agreed to by all Full Tour Players.
The Grand Chess Tour also wishes to thank the many players who have remained loyal to the Tour and honored their commitments throughout the years. Their professionalism has helped establish the Grand Chess Tour as the premier international circuit in elite chess.
