The chess world turned its eyes to Las Vegas this weekend, where Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian clinched his very first Freestyle Grand Slam title. Competing against some of the most famous names in chess, Aronian’s win at the Wynn Resort has become a highlight in his long and successful career.
Freestyle Grand Slam Las Vegas
This event, held from July 16 to 20, brought together 16 of the world’s best players. The format was Freestyle Chess, a more creative version of the game that regularly produces surprises. The total prize fund stood at $750,000, with $200,000 reserved for the winner, a serious reward in modern chess tournaments.
Road to the Title
Aronian’s path to the top was far from easy. Early in the tournament, he finished the group stage tied for fourth with Magnus Carlsen. This meant a direct play-off, and Aronian managed to defeat Carlsen 2-0 in blitz tiebreaks. Not many manage to push the World No. 1 out, but Levon Aronian did it.
The tournament only got tougher from there:
In the quarterfinals, he beat World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura 2.5-1.5. Next, he faced Indian talent Arjun Erigaisi in the semifinals. Aronian won both games, not even needing tiebreaks.
The final challenge was Hans Niemann, the young and ambitious American. Levon Aronian handled the final with calm, taking the match 1.5-0.5 and guaranteeing the victory.
What the Win Means For Levon Aronian
For Levon Aronian, this win isn’t just about the trophy or the prize money. It’s a statement that his creativity and deep tournament experience still stand out on the global stage. Defeating Carlsen, Nakamura, and Erigaisi, three players from the world’s top five, shows how prepared and resilient he is.
When asked about his win, Aronian called it “one of the crown jewels” of his long chess career. He stayed calm under pressure, especially in the tense tiebreaks, and made the most of every chance he got on the board.
A Look Ahead
Levon Aronian’s victory in Las Vegas has not only refreshed his legacy among fans but also earned him a spot in the next Grand Slam stage, due to take place in South Africa later this year. As for now, he heads to the Esports World Cup, aiming to keep up this good form.
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