Freestyle Chess Grand Slam: Carlsen Beats Praggnanandhaa In An Epic Comeback

Las Vegas, Nevada – Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has produced a stunning display of resilience and tactical brilliance, winning five games on the trot to book his spot in the third-place playoff at the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam. The Norwegian Grandmaster will now face USA’s Hikaru Nakamura in what promises to be a thrilling battle for a podium finish on the final day of competition, Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Carlsen’s Resurgent Form Propels Him to Podium Contention

Carlsen’s remarkable comeback began after a chaotic first-round loss to India’s R. Praggnanandhaa in the Intermediate Round. Despite the initial setback, Carlsen forced a tiebreak with a crucial win in the second round. The Norwegian then showcased his tactical superiority under pressure, winning both the 5+2 blitz games to overcome Praggnanandhaa.

The momentum continued for Carlsen as he then trumped another Indian Grandmaster, Arjun Erigaisi, in the lower-bracket semifinal, winning both games with ease. This dominant run underscores Carlsen’s adaptability and enduring class in the Chess960 (Freestyle) format, proving that even after an early stumble, he remains a formidable force.

Nakamura’s Path to the Playoff

Meanwhile, Hikaru Nakamura carved his own path to the third-place playoff, navigating through a challenging bracket. The American GM successfully worked his way past two of his compatriots: Wesley So in the Intermediate Round, and then Fabiano Caruana in the lower-bracket semifinal, setting up a highly anticipated clash against his long-time rival Carlsen.

Final Day Showdowns Set to Conclude Tournament

Sunday marks the final day of the competition, with a series of high-stakes matchups determining the final standings of the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam:

• Final: Hans Niemann (USA) vs. Levon Aronian (USA)
• Third-place playoff: Magnus Carlsen (Norway) vs. Hikaru Nakamura (USA)
• Fifth-place playoff: Fabiano Caruana (USA) vs. Arjun Erigaisi (India)
• Seventh-place playoff: R. Praggnanandhaa (India) vs. Wesley So (USA)

The final day promises intense battles as players vie for top honors and crucial rating points in this innovative format, bringing the inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam to a captivating close.

Please follow and like us: