Carlsen and Keymer in the Leading Group @ grenke Freestyle Chess

Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1, and Vincent Keymer, the German No. 1, are among the players on a perfect 3/3 score after three rounds of the Freestyle Chess Open A at the grenke Chess Festival in Karlsruhe. More than 3,500 players are taking part across several tournaments at the festival. In the Freestyle Chess Open A, a world-class field competes for a prize fund of more than 200,000 euros, including 60,000 euros for first place.   

For now, Carlsen and Keymer are part of a large leading group, with no clear separation at the top so far. After Round 3, 19 players remain on 3/3. The winner of the Freestyle Open A qualifies directly for the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2027. 

Two women are among the 19 players with a perfect score: Meruert Kamalidenova of Kazakhstan and Harika Dronavalli of India. Kamalidenova, an International Master, is one of the surprise names at the top, while Dronavalli is an established grandmaster and long-time contender at the highest level. Both are currently leading the race for the three qualification spots for the FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess World Championship awarded in the Freestyle Open “A”. 

View Games

Official Site: https://www.grenkechessopen.de/en/

Photo Courtesy: Stev Bonhage / grenke Freestyle Chess 2026

Press release: Till Behrend / grenke Freestyle Chess 2026