After a few days off, it's time for another star-studded event. The European Club Cup (which includes non-Europeans) started Sunday. Loads of 2700+ players are participating, including Vladimir Kramnik, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Ding Liren, Alexander Grischuk, Sergey Karjakin, Peter Svidler, Anish Giri and many, many more. As was noted during the Isle of Man, a successful performance here is absolutely necessary for Kramnik to have any chance of qualifying for the Candidates by rating, but he hasn't played the first two rounds. As it's only a seven-round event, he'll have to perform exceptionally well in the remaining five rounds to have a shot.
Anyway, the event is far more interesting than just whatever Kramnik does or doesn't do; there are 16 players who came into the event with a 2700+ rating, and plenty of others who are near 2700 as well.