With the FIDE Candidates now in the rearview mirror, 7-time Brazilian Champion and Chess.com “Game of the Day” columnist GM Rafael Leitão joins me to help break it all down. We discuss: Sindarov’s incredible performance and the training methods that helped him ascend to the top Vaishali’s strong finish and her chances against Ju Wenjun Rafael’s take on opening trends, and which players might be most disappointed with their performanceGM Leitão also shares his thoughts on the Judit Polgar documentary on Netflix, along with his story of getting to play Judit.Thanks to Rafael for sharing his insights. I’m excited to see the two new World Championship challengers fight for the title later this year.Mentioned: IM Roman Vidonyik interview with Charlize van Zyl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwcMentioned: Chess.com article touching on Sindarov’s trainer IM Roman Vidonyakhttps://www.chess.com/news/view/2026-fide-candidates-tournament-round-14Interviews with IM Roman Vidonyok:Chessbase India-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6VDTVVXMZU&t=442sFIDE- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TJMiHqiwc&t=1sChessbase article about the support Erdogmus receives:https://en.chessbase.com/post/a-billionaire-supports-chess-talentsMentioned: Rafael’s YouTube video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvQuSfNd6AMentioned: Praggnandhaa vs. Rapport 2025-https://www.chess.com/events/2025-uzchess-cup-masters/06/Praggnanandhaa_R-Rapport_RichardWebsite:https://rafaelleitao.com/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCistQmaDouEpKROBZBkQQ9AInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmrafaelleitao/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices