The Freestyle Chess Las Vegas semi-final has brought together some of the world’s top grandmasters, all competing for the huge $200,000 first prize and the bragging rights that come with winning one of the year’s biggest chess events. The field began with 16 players, but after intense rounds, we’re now down to the elite four who have made it to the semi-finals. So, who made the cut? And who suffered a loss that cost them the title? Let’s take a look.
How The Tournament Unfolded
The event kicked off at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel, with players divided into two groups of eight for the round-robin stage. Each grandmaster faced everyone else in their group, collecting points to determine who would move on to the knockout stage.
The top four from each group advanced to the main bracket, and the rest were sent to the placement bracket. Only those in the top bracket remained in contention for the main title and the biggest share of prize money.
There were a few notable upsets and surprises. Magnus Carlsen, a favorite at nearly every chess event, was eliminated from the title race during the group stage after close losses to Praggnanandhaa and Wesley So, and a tough tiebreak defeat at the hands of Levon Aronian. Carlsen dropped into the lower bracket and can no longer win the event.
The stars of the group stage included Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, who not only topped his group but also managed to defeat Carlsen, a feat that has become a highlight of his already impressive year. Hikaru Nakamura dominated his group, scoring an impressive 6 out of 7 points. Hans Niemann and Arjun Erigaisi also performed consistently to secure their spots in the next round.
Who Made It to the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Semi-Finals?
After the completion of the quarter-finals, four grandmasters emerged as the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas semi-finalists:
- Fabiano Caruana
- Levon Aronian
- Hans Niemann
- Arjun Erigaisi
How Each Player Reached The Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Semi-Finals
Fabiano Caruana
Caruana stayed calm under pressure throughout the group stage and used his experience to outmaneuver his opponent in the knockout round. His steady style and sharp calculation have carried him through so far.
Levon Aronian
Aronian proved to be one of the most dangerous and resourceful players in the event. After surviving tight spots, including a crucial tiebreak victory against Carlsen, Aronian makes another deep tournament run.
Hans Niemann
Niemann played solid chess throughout the event. His mix of strong opening ideas and fearless play helped him secure key wins in close matches, earning a well-deserved Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Semi-Finals spot.
Arjun Erigaisi
The young Indian GM continues to impress in 2025, a consistent showing in the group and precise play in the quarter-finals take him to his first Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Semi-Finals at this level. He’s quickly making a name for himself.
What’s Next?
The Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Semi-Finals promise some exciting matchups, with all four players hungry for the title. Whether it’s Caruana’s experience, Aronian’s creativity, Niemann’s fighting spirit, or Erigaisi’s youthful edge, each brings something unique to the board.
Also Read: R Praggnanandhaa Stuns Magnus Carlsen With 93.9% Accuracy
