It’s A Carlsen-Nakamura Final In Paris!
World numbers one and two GMs Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura will compete for the $200,000 top prize in the Final of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. Carlsen overcame GM Fabiano Caruana, who fought valiantly in a difficult position before cracking in time trouble. GM Hikaru Nakamura, meanwhile, did what no one else has managed this year—beat GM Vincent Keymer in a classical game of freestyle chess.
GMs Arjun Erigaisi and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave both hit back on demand to take their 5th-8th place matches to tiebreaks, with Arjun playing the game of the day. The momentum continued, as both clinched spots in the 5th place final, where a $50,000 prize is still at stake. GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, meanwhile, beat GM Richard Rapport to take 9th place and $15,000.
The Finals of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam begin on Sunday, April 13, at 7 a.m. ET / 13:00 CEST / 4:30 p.m. IST.
Magnus Carlsen overcame another great rival, Fabiano Caruana, to reach the final. Photo: Stev Bonhage/Freestyle Chess.
- Standings
- Carlsen 1.5-0.5 Caruana
- Nakamura 1.5-0.5 Keymer
- Arjun, MVL Hit Back In Battle For 5th
- Praggnanandhaa Takes 9th