The 2021 chess calendar was again disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but major events that have taken place included the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, won by Jorden van Foreest. The Candidates Tournament 2020–21, disrupted by the pandemic, concluded on 27 April 2021. It was won by Ian Nepomniachtchi. In November, Nepomniachtchi subsequently faced defending champion Magnus Carlsen for the World Chess Championship title in Dubai, UAE during Expo 2020. Carlsen won the match 71⁄2–31⁄2 to retain the title with three games to spare and become a five-time world champion.