Carlsen Leads Freestyle Chess Tour After Paris Win

Magnus Carlsen triumphed in the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, defeating Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-0.5 in the final and claiming the $200,000 top prize. This victory places Carlsen as the current leader in the Freestyle Chess Tour with 40 points, and he expressed renewed joy for the game, particularly enjoying the freestyle format that allows for creative play with 960 starting positions. The tournament also highlighted the rising talent of Arjun Erigaisi, who finished fifth, and Vincent Keymer, who showcased his capabilities despite losing to Nakamura in the semifinals. Fabiano Caruana claimed third place after a decisive victory against Vincent Keymer. Carlsen's performance was marked by his ability to adapt and dominate without the need for tiebreaks, underscoring his mastery in diverse chess formats.