Freestyle Chess Las Vegas – 16-Player Line-Up Confirmed
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour is set to make its U.S. debut at the Wynn Las Vegas from July 16–20, 2025, bringing together 16 of the world’s top chess grandmasters for an electrifying Chess960 tournament. With a $750,000 prize pool and a format that eliminates traditional opening preparation, the event promises high-stakes drama and raw strategic brilliance. The confirmed lineup features a star-studded mix of seasoned talents and rising stars.
Leading the field is world number one Magnus Carlsen, who won the Paris leg of the Grand Slam in April 2025, defeating Hikaru Nakamura in the final. Nakamura, the world number two and Paris runner-up, joins the lineup with his sharp tactical prowess. The tournament will witness the presence of 7 out of world’s top 10 highest ranked players, namely, Fabiano Caruana, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Ian Nepomnichtchi. An exciting wild card in the form of Kazakh Grandmaster, Bibisara Assaubayeva (women’s world #10).
Adding to the list of heavyweights, seasoned American GMs – Levon Aroian, Wesley So, and Leinier Dominguez will grace the tournament with their ferocious moves. The reigning World Chess Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, will notably be missing from the action, while GM Vidit Gujrathi will be seen making his return. 19-year-old Javokhir Sindarov, Uzbekistan’s #2, adds youthful flair with his ambitious style. Parham Maghsoodloo earned his spot by finishing second at the Grenke Freestyle Chess Open in Karlsruhe, a qualifying event for Las Vegas, where Carlsen scored a perfect 9/9.
Hans Niemann secured his place by winning an online Play-In tournament, defeating Denis Lazavik in an Armageddon tiebreak, setting up a potential showdown with Carlsen. Vincent Keymer, the Weissenhaus leg winner who stunned Carlsen, is confirmed and rounds out the known participants, having qualified via his Paris performance.
The tournament will feature a “slow-rapid” time control (30 minutes plus 30-second increments) and a format with a round-robin group stage followed by knockout brackets. With the presence of live audience, the organizers have arranged a “silent disco” method for the viewers to enjoy the commentary in their headphones ensuring an immersive experience. This highly anticipated tournament will serve the fans with a treat of exciting Freestyle Chess.
Graphic courtesy: Freestyle Chess
