Magnus Carlsen Set to Face Gukesh in Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour

After weeks of tension with FIDE, world No.1 Magnus Carlsen is eager to return to competitive play at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. The tournament’s Weissenhaus leg, starting today at a luxury nature resort, will feature a stellar lineup, including reigning classical world champion D. Gukesh.

Speaking to ChessBase India, Carlsen expressed excitement about competing against Gukesh, emphasizing the challenge posed by the young Indian grandmaster. He also mentioned his desire to face Hikaru Nakamura again, referring to their previous generational battle. The tournament will also feature World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana, No. 3 Nakamura, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, Levon Aronian, Vincent Keymer, Vladimir Fedoseev, and Javokhir Sindarov. Sindarov was added as a last-minute replacement for five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who withdrew amid the growing conflict between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess movement. Anand currently serves as FIDE’s deputy vice president.

Carlsen also acknowledged India’s rising dominance in chess, stating that young players like Gukesh are among the toughest competitors today. He is looking forward to their World Cup quarter-final clash, recognizing the challenge ahead.

With top chess talents assembling for the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, the event promises thrilling matchups and further intensifies the debate surrounding traditional and freestyle chess formats.