The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam returned in style, and now it’s time for the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals. Over several days, the tournament has seen at intense matchups, a few surprises, and the usual nerve-wracking playoff tiebreaks.

But none of it came close to R Praggnanandhaa beating title-favourite Magnus Carlsen, but his win wasn’t just a personal achievement. It played a huge role in knocking Carlsen out of contention for this leg, which is a win in itself. So, who really made it to the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals? Let’s find out.
How the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinalists Were Decided
The tournament format began with two groups of eight players each, playing a round-robin stage. The top four in each group would advance to the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals, one step closer to the event title and the winner’s prize. The bottom four would play for placement, but they’d be out of contention for Las Vegas gold.
Who’s In: The Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinalists
White Group Qualifiers
- R Praggnanandhaa: The Indian teenage grandmaster, who delivered one of the biggest shocks at the tournament, made the cut. He defeated Magnus Carlsen in a crucial game, securing the top spot in his group. His steady play, along with 93.9% accuracy against Carlsen, secured him a spot in the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals.
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov: The Uzbek prodigy, known for his fighting spirit, made sure the world knew that he’s out for a good game. He finished with 4.5/7, showing strong form against an elite field.
Javokhir Sindarov (PC: Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals) - Javokhir Sindarov: Another talented youngster from Uzbekistan, who quietly put together a strong score, joining the leaders at the top of the group. He gave the kind of performance that often goes under the radar until the knockout rounds begin.
- Levon Aronian: With experience and composure, Aronian claimed the final qualifying spot in the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals. He edged out Carlsen in a tense playoff match, holding his nerve and taking advantage at just the right moment to advance.
Black Group Qualifiers

- Hikaru Nakamura: Renowned for his fast thinking and online blitz prowess, Nakamura dominated the round-robin with 6 out of 7 points. He barely put a foot wrong, claiming clear first place and looking relaxed throughout.
- Hans Niemann: Hans Niemann, the most anticipated player of the tournament, played solidly and was among the first to lock up his spot in the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals.
- Fabiano Caruana: Caruana had a slower start, drawing six games in a row, but a must-win match in the last round saw him clinch qualification. He’s the kind of player who can never be counted out.
- Arjun Erigaisi: The young Indian grandmaster is quickly establishing himself as a top freestyle player. He was also among the top finishers at the last leg, and this time, too, he has proved his worth.
Here are the Las Vegas Quarterfinalists in a list:
- R Praggnanandhaa
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov
- Javokhir Sindarov
- Levon Aronian
- Hikaru Nakamura
- Hans Niemann
- Fabiano Caruana
- Arjun Erigaisi
Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals Set to Begin

The eight players who qualified will now face knockout matches with longer time controls. The stakes are higher: one loss sends players to the lower bracket, where survival gets even tougher. With big names and rising stars left in the field, the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Quarterfinals are all set for some memorable games.
Also Read: R Praggnanandhaa Stuns Magnus Carlsen With 93.9% Accuracy