Candidates - who replaces Magnus?

[Hans Jung]

Any body know? Is it Wesley So?

[Amit R]

Any body know? Is it Wesley So?

Abasov, I believe.

[Victor Plotkin]

From my post in another thread...

Unless something unusual happens, the Candidates are:

1. Caruana
2. Nakamura
3. Nepomniachtchi
4. Firouzja
5. Praggnanandhaa
6. Vidit
7. Gukesh
8. Abasov

3 IND, 2 USA, RUS, FRA, AZE

[Hans Jung]

Thank you Victor. That is good news. All interesting fighting players. Should be a fans delight.

[Victor Plotkin]

Abasov got it as he finished 4th in World Cup. I would prefer any other choice, like 3rd in Grand Swiss, 2nd in FIDE circuit (Giri) or 2nd by rating (So). However, these rules were announced well in advance.

[Mario Moran-Venegas]

Magnus made it official 6 hours ago that he will not play.

[Peter McKillop]

Any body know? Is it Wesley So?

Who cares anymore? Why don't they just pick some random 2400 player?

[Erik Malmsten]

The Candidate site has been announced. It's a lovely old hall on trendy Queen West that started as a YMCA and was a Polish Hall so chess has likely been played there before. I used to go there for art classes and music events.There is a small balcony overlooking the players and a large room across the hall which will likely be used. I don't know if the basement gym will be open to the public.

Spectator tickets go from $49 for one day to $2000 for VIP for the whole event.
https://candidates-tournament-2024.square.site/

[Salim Belcadi]

Thanks Erik. I just published a post with more details. The public will have access to the balcony overlooking the players according to the specific time slots they purchased. Anti-cheating measures will be draconian as you can imagine.

[Victor Plotkin]

From my point of view, prices are exorbitant. 49 CAD not for full day, just for 2 hours window...

[Salim Belcadi]

Hello Victor, regarding the tickets, they grant all-day access to the venue and the fan zone within it. The fan zone will be animated by GMs, and offer playing opportunities and more to the attendance. However, there's only one time slot allowed for entry to the playing hall balcony, and here's why:

1. To maintain fair play and prevent any possibility of cheating, attendees can only enter the playing hall once, at fixed times.
2. The capacity of the balconies is limited. By implementing this measure, we aim to accommodate more visitors and ensure everyone has a chance to experience the event.
3. Every attendee must undergo thorough checks for electronics and illegal items, ensuring the safety and integrity of the event.

We've worked tirelessly with FIDE to advocate for access to the event for our local chess community and to provide opportunities for face-to-face interaction with the candidates. We also fought for affordable pricing, although it wasn't without its challenges given the additional costs incurred to allow public access.

[Victor Plotkin]

I understand that such an important chess event requires a lot of different fair play measures, which is expensive. At the same time I believe that big sponsorship money should be enough for more affordable prices for our chess community.

The difference between 49 CAD and lets say 25 (yes, multiply by number of rounds and by number of visitors per day) is not very significant compare to the entire expenses of this event. Looks like FIDE has different priorities.

[Erik Malmsten]

I understand that such an important chess event requires a lot of different fair play measures, which is expensive. At the same time I believe that big sponsorship money should be enough for more affordable prices for our chess community.

The difference between 49 CAD and lets say 25 (yes, multiply by number of rounds and by number of visitors per day) is not very significant compare to the entire expenses of this event. Looks like FIDE has different priorities.

The difference between $49 and $169 is significant! What exactly is a VIP getting? Bottle service? On set selfies? Seat in front row of the balcony? An ear piece to listen to online commentary? Access to players green room and washroom? Escorted by a local titled player? Having a personal translator? Limo from their hotel? A friend needs more details before buying tickets now.

[Ian Findlay]

Sadly I will not attend live, as it is too expensive for me. If it sells out, then I would argue they chose the right price point. It is the same reason I would not pay $800 to watch the NHL all star game in Toronto, but the hockey game will be sold out.

[Salim Belcadi]

The difference between $49 and $169 is significant! What exactly is a VIP getting? Bottle service? On set selfies? Seat in front row of the balcony? An ear piece to listen to online commentary? Access to players green room and washroom? Escorted by a local titled player? Having a personal translator? Limo from their hotel? A friend needs more details before buying tickets now.

Basically VIP tickets provide a better experience for the attendees. They have access to a VIP lounge where they can enjoy an open bar, eat food prepared by a catering company, mingle with highly rated GMs (the seconds of the candidates), and the personalities invited by FIDE. They also have a dedicated access to a different part of the balcony. The price is significantly steeper by design to reflect these offerings, and the limited availability of tickets in this exclusive section.