The chess world witnessed a blockbuster showdown as Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious over Hikaru Nakamura in the final of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, securing the $200,000 top prize. The highly anticipated clash between the world’s top two players lived up to its billing, delivering drama and brilliance in equal measure at the second leg of the multi-million dollar Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
In freestyle chess, also known as Chess960, the starting positions of the pieces are randomized, leveling the playing field by minimizing opening preparation and emphasizing raw creativity and calculation. The final, contested over two classical games, saw Carlsen take an early lead with a stunning win on Sunday, April 13, before sealing the title with a draw on Monday.
Game 1: Carlsen’s Bold Sacrifice Pays Off
The first game showcased Carlsen’s trademark audacity. Playing with the white pieces, the Norwegian grandmaster sacrificed a pawn on move four, setting the stage for a complex middlegame. Nakamura, known for his tactical sharpness, countered fiercely and appeared to be steering the game toward a draw, relying on opposite color bishops. However, with both players under time pressure, Nakamura faltered on move 35, playing 35…Ba2, a move he later called “just insane.” Carlsen pounced with 36.Bf8+, delivering a check that forced Nakamura’s resignation after a brief flurry of moves.
Commentators Judit Polgar and Peter Leko lauded Carlsen’s endgame precision, with Polgar noting, “From a practical point of view, it’s zero chance against Magnus in a position like that.” The victory put Carlsen one draw away from the title, leaving Nakamura with a must-win scenario for the second game.
Game 2: Carlsen Holds Firm
On Monday, April 14, Nakamura, playing white, threw everything into the attack, knowing only a win would force tiebreaks. Despite early pressure, Carlsen defended with composure, neutralizing Nakamura’s threats in a tense middlegame. The game ended in a draw after a hard-fought battle, securing Carlsen’s triumph with a match score of 1.5–0.5.
Post-game, Carlsen praised his opponent, saying, that Hikaru played well, but added, “I’m happy to capitalize on the chances I got.” Nakamura acknowledged the blunder that cost him Game 1 but remained optimistic about future battles. “It’s always a fight against Magnus. I’ll be back,” he said with a smile.
Replay all Freestyle Chess Paris games here
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