South Africa will play host to the first Freestyle Grand Slam to be held on African soil, and what a way to close the year, with eight (8) of the World’s Best chess players coming to town. The last time a few of these top players came to Africa was at Coté d’Ivoire, where GM Magnus Carlsen noted that he would love to come back to Africa at some point, and here we are😊
The 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam will conclude in South Africa. From December 8 to 11, GM Magnus Carlsen will lead the lines, as Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Western Cape welcomes the top chess players to Africa.
The following players will compete for the final Grand Slam title of 2025 in Africa, and the right to be crowned Freestyle Chess Champion, 2025.
- Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
- Fabiano Caruana (United States)
- Vincent Keymer (Germany)
- Arjun Erigaisi (India)
- Levon Aronian (United States)
- Hans Niemann (United States)
- Parham Maghsoodloo (Iran)
- Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan)
South Africa Welcomes Freestyle Chess
Organized by Freestyle Chess, the South Africa Finals will combine world-class competition with a celebration of local chess culture. Having received the kind support of Chess South Africa and more than twenty clubs from the Cape Town area, the event will transform the region into a meeting point for chess players and fans alike.
Speaking about the venue, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Magnus Carlsen, Freestyle Chess co-founder, world number one, and tour leader, says it is a perfect ending to an incredible season. He added that Freestyle Chess has brought back the feeling of pure discovery, where you never know the position, and you have to think and create. To finish the tour in such a spectacular setting feels just right.
Freestyle Chess Founder & CEO Jan Henric Buettner says:
Each Freestyle Chess venue has had its own magic, and Grootbos stands for discovery: a new continent, a new culture, and a new connection to a passionate chess community. Its the perfect final of a journey that has taken Freestyle Chess around the world.
Freestyle Chess COO, Thomas Harsch, speaks about the spirit of the Grand Slam Finals:
Our events are designed to be experiences, not just tournaments. South Africa gives us the chance to connect with new audiences and local clubs who share the same enthusiasm for the game. We are deeply grateful for the hospitality and support we have received even before the games have begun.
The Opening Spectacle – Underwater Chess!
Festivities will begin on the 4th of December, at Cape Town’s Silo Hotel, where the official press conference will open the Grand Slam Finals at 11:00 a.m. local time, bringing together all eight (8) players, media, and invited guests. Later that day, competitors will dive into a new dimension of the game during the Underwater Chess exhibition tournament.
Etan Ilfeld, the London-based inventor of Diving Chess and founder of the Mind Sports Olympiad, will serve as advisor for the underwater exhibition at the Silo Hotel. Ilfeld’s underwater variant, created in 2012, has since grown into an international phenomenon with annual world championships in London and national events in Germany, Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Michal Mazurkiewicz, reigning World Diving Chess Champion, will attend to lend his expertise, while Hans Niemann has already announced his ambition:
I am not just here to win the Freestyle Chess Finals, I plan to become the first Freestyle Chess Underwater Champion.
That evening, the players will move to the Grand Africa Café & Beach for the Welcome Beach Party and the live drawing of lots for the Round Robin stage. The following day, the tournaments guests and players will gather in Stanford for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at Grootbos, attended by South African dignitaries.
The Competition – Daily Public Viewing
The Freestyle Chess Finals follow the Grand Slam’s established structure: a Round Robin rapid stage (10 minutes + 5 seconds) followed by three knockout days (30 minutes + 15 seconds) to decide the champion. For the first time, tour points will also be awarded for the Round Robin standings from eight (8) down to one (1), while points for the Finals are doubled.
Heading into South Africa, Carlsen leads the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour (80 points), followed by Fabiano Caruana (49) and Vincent Keymer (39), both within striking distance. Sebastian Siebrecht, Tournament Director of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals:
With tour points doubled, nothing is settled. It is the race among the best of the best; and in Freestyle Chess, every new position can turn the standings upside down.
From 8th to 11th of December, fans can follow the action LIVE in Cape Town at a venue yet to be announced, which will feature daily public viewing and LIVE commentary throughout the tournament. Andre Lewaks, President of Chess South Africa, said the federation is proud to support the event and its organizers:
It is a privilege to host the world’s best players on our soil. Chess South Africa appreciates the spirit of collaboration and the opportunity this brings to our local clubs and fans.
Media Contact & Accreditation:
Press Conference
Venue: The Silo Hotel Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Live Broadcast
Press Conference: www.youtube.com/@freestyle_chess_media
