Javokhir Sindarov: The Rising Star in Chess Sponsorship

A Future World Champion in the Making

New Delhi: If this article were written a few days later, the word "likely" in the headline might be unnecessary. It increasingly seems like a matter of time before Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov is officially declared the winner of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament. Traditionally, he will challenge the reigning World Champion, D Gukesh, for the title later this year.

Exceptional Performance in the Candidates Tournament

Having qualified for the Candidates after winning the 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa, India, 20-year-old Sindarov has showcased outstanding chess skills. Unlike many of his peers who deliberate extensively over moves, he often plays in the blink of an eye, thereby gaining significant time advantages, which has captured the attention of the chess world. His unbeaten record, with 6 wins in 10 games, is the best in the current Candidates format, earning him some well-deserved recognition.

Overcoming Sponsorship Challenges

Just a year and a half ago, Sindarov had no sponsors to support his chess career. "There has been a problem with chess because people do not have money, although it’s a very expensive sport," remarked Tom Guilbaud, Sindarov’s 20-year-old manager. "You have to travel a lot and incur substantial expenses."

Securing sponsorships has become crucial, but attracting them can be challenging. According to Guilbaud, "The main thing is to understand what sponsors are looking for."

Leveraging Social Media for Sponsorship

In response to the sponsorship challenges, Guilbaud launched a YouTube channel for Sindarov in October 2024, now featuring five videos and over 300 subscribers. This initiative is part of a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at attracting sponsors. "I manage his social media 99.9% of the time," Guilbaud said. "Sindarov barely tweets or engages on social media."

The efforts have yielded results; Sindarov has recently signed sponsorship deals with the National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU) and an internet service provider.

From Underdog to Chess Contender

When Guilbaud took on the role as Sindarov’s manager, he had no sponsors, with funding primarily coming from his grandfather, Dr. Komil Sindarov, who was also his first coach. In addition, Sindarov reinvested his tournament winnings and garnered support from the Esports sector to fund his chess career.

Guilbaud expressed his pride, saying, "It’s hard to believe how quickly Javokhir has risen. Just a year ago, he was ranked around 60th in the world."

Balancing Chess and Gaming

When he’s not on the chessboard, Sindarov enjoys gaming, particularly Counter-Strike. However, the rigorous demands of being a world-class Grandmaster leave him with minimal gaming time. "He plays maybe three hours a week," Guilbaud revealed. "He loves gaming but priorities take over."

Behind-the-Scenes Support

Guilbaud, also a chess coach for an Esports team, assists Sindarov in scouting opponents and preparing strategies for tournaments. "My goal is not to give him tips but to handle the background work," he explained.

During pivotal tournaments like the FIDE World Cup, Guilbaud carefully analyzes the games of Sindarov’s opponents to give him an edge.

The Psychological Edge of Fast Play

Sindarov’s rapid pace in the Candidates is both a strategic move and a psychological tactic. "Chess at this level is very mental and psychological," said Guilbaud. "Playing fast sends a message to opponents that he knows what he’s doing. It exudes confidence."

As Sindarov approaches the conclusion of the Candidates tournament, his confidence, coupled with an organized professional structure around him, positions him as a strong contender for the World Championship title.