Ian Nepomniachtchi won the 2026 Aeroflot Open in convincing fashion, scoring 8/9 to finish a full point ahead of the field. The Russian GM delivered his best open tournament performance in years, winning his final round to cement the title.
Nepomniachtchi switched opening systems throughout the event, using the Sicilian, Ruy Lopez, and several offbeat lines to keep opponents off balance. His preparation was sharp at every turn, and he converted all his wins cleanly without a single near-escape. The form he showed this week is the form of a player ready to compete at the very top.
Playing at home carries extra weight for him, and he dedicated the win to the Moscow chess community after the closing ceremony. He has spoken openly about this event being important to his career going back many years.
Second place went to a three-way tie between Maxim Matlakov, Alexei Sarana, and Dmitry Andreikin, all on 7/9. Nepomniachtchi's performance here should guarantee him a top board at the upcoming World Team Championship. His Candidates resume is not finished yet.