Freestyle Chess has unveiled its full lineup for the Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025, and one headline-grabbing twist is the notable absence of world champion D Gukesh. Instead, the tournament will mark a historic milestone as Kazakh chess prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva becomes the first woman ever to compete in a Freestyle Chess Grand Slam.
A Star-Studded Lineup in Las Vegas
The event, scheduled from July 16-20 at the prestigious Wynn Resorts, boasts one of the strongest fields in modern chess. The announced roster includes global heavyweights such as Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Arjun Erigaisi, Levon Aronian, Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Leinier Dominguez, Parham Maghsoodloo, Vincent Keymer, Ian Nepomniachtchi, R Praggnanandhaa, Javokhir Sindarov, and Vidit Gujrathi. With such an illustrious list, expectations are high for an event that promises revolutionary battles in the growing arena of Freestyle Chess.
The Mystery Behind D Gukesh’s Absence
One of the most debated aspects of the announcement is the missing name of 19-year-old D Gukesh. Despite being the reigning world champion in Classical chess, Gukesh will not feature in the Las Vegas Grand Slam. Although the organizers have not provided an explicit explanation, speculation suggests that Gukesh may be taking a well-deserved break after his recent performances—where he struggled to find consistent footing in previous Freestyle Chess Grand Slam events. In his absence, Indian chess is well-represented by emerging talents including Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.
Bibisara Assaubayeva: Breaking Barriers
Adding a historic touch to this year’s event, Bibisara Assaubayeva is set to make history as the first woman to compete in a Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. Her entry not only underscores the ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity in competitive chess but also signals a new era where women are breaking traditional barriers and redefining excellence in the game. Assaubayeva’s participation is widely expected to inspire a generation of aspiring female chess players around the world.
Looking Ahead
As the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam approaches, the chess community is buzzing with anticipation. With a blend of seasoned champions and fresh young talents, the tournament is poised to deliver high-intensity clashes while pushing the boundaries of conventional chess formats. The event will not only showcase innovative strategies but also serve as a platform for making bold statements—both on and off the board.
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