Levy Rozman predicts winner of Gukesh vs Sindarov world title clash: 'I don't think it's as crazy as...'

Popular American chess streamer and International Master Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess, has shared his prediction for the upcoming FIDE World Chess Championship 2026 clash between reigning champion Dommaraju Gukesh and challenger Javokhir Sindarov.

Speaking in a video shared by FIDE, Rozman said he believes Sindarov is slightly favourite for the marquee contest, but feels Gukesh will be much closer than many people are expecting. He gave Sindarov a thin edge of 55/45 against D Gukesh.

“Sindarov [to win]. But I don't think it's as crazy as everybody's saying. Like everyone thinks it's like 70/30 or 80/20 [in favour of Sindarov]. I think it's like 55/45 for Sindarov,” Rozman said.

Who has the edge?

Sindarov earned the right to challenge Gukesh after winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in dominant style last month. The young Uzbek grandmaster has been one of the most consistent performers in world chess over the last two years and is seen by many as a strong favourite to take the crown from Gukesh.

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Gukesh and Sindarov recently faced each other at the Grand Chess Tour: Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026 event in Warsaw. Gukesh managed to win their only rapid game during the tournament, but Sindarov responded strongly in the blitz section and defeated the Indian star on two consecutive days.

Gukesh has experienced mixed form since becoming world champion in 2024 after defeating Ding Liren in the title match. Recently, the Indian star announced that he would take a break from major classical tournaments in order to focus more on preparing for his world championship title defence against Sindarov.

FIDE has confirmed provisional dates for the championship match, which is expected to last 25 days from November 23 to December 17. The bidding process to find the host city has also begun.