I would love it to be Nakamura. I love his streams, but he completely neglects the stategical component in chess, he's all about tactics, lines, etc. So regrettably he won't make it, he would go in plus score but he won't have enough wins to qualify for the title. He just has to emulate Carlsen for this tournament stay quiet, fish wins in subtle tactics, maitaining tension, and make those long term priorities from move 1 in every game.
Another player I would love to see playing for the title (against Ding) is Vidit he has a very neat playing style, he calculates very deeply his own variations which his oponents don't even consider playing against him. This makes a very strong impression on me.
But realistically i think it would be either Praggnanandhaa, Nepomniatchi or Firouzja.
Fabi is in a bad shape right now, to even consider him as part of one of the favourites.
Another player I would love to see playing for the title (against Ding) is Vidit he has a very neat playing style, he calculates very deeply his own variations which his oponents don't even consider playing against him. This makes a very strong impression on me.
But realistically i think it would be either Praggnanandhaa, Nepomniatchi or Firouzja.
Fabi is in a bad shape right now, to even consider him as part of one of the favourites.
