Freestyle Surge, Simul Feat & Ranking Shake‑Ups
Chess in 2025 is diversifying its formats and expanding its reach. The game is evolving in exciting ways, from Las Vegas freestyle battles to record-breaking simul events and fresh shifts in world rankings. Below, we uncover four key developments shaping chess’s global narrative – blending innovation, achievement, and the rise of new champions.
Freestyle Chess Goes Big in Las Vegas
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour heads to the U.S. this July, bringing team-style chess to the glitzy stage of Wynn Las Vegas (July 16–20). Sixteen of the world’s leading players – including Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann – will face off in Chess960 matches, with a massive $750,000 prize fund, silent commentary, arena lighting, and immersive tech enhancements.
This marks the tour’s fourth stop after Germany and France, and its first foray into North America. Freestyle’s co-founder, Carlsen, has set a lofty precedent in this format, breaking the 2900 Elo barrier and becoming its top-rated player. This Vegas debut cements Freestyle’s transition from novelty to mainstream chess entertainment.
Carlsen Hits 2900 – in Freestyle Ratings
Magnus Carlsen has climbed to an all-time peak of 2909 in Freestyle Chess ratings, making him the first to crack the mythical 2900 mark in this variant. While some debate the system’s methodology, citing a smaller player pool and inflated K-factors, the milestone is widely seen as a symbolic leap.
Carlsen himself celebrated with humor: “My wife is way more attracted to me now that I’ve achieved 2900”. A Freestyle Chess spokesperson added, “A new standard has been set,” emphasizing the format’s growing credibility and competitive depth
Daniel Dardha’s Epic 50‑Board Simul
Young Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha has smashed the existing clock-simul world record, playing 50 opponents simultaneously in Deinze, Belgium. On June 9, he scored an astonishing 43½/50 (40 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses), surpassing the previous record by GM Sipke Ernst.
Dardha’s achievement – pending official FIDE verification – showcases both stamina and precision under rapid time constraints. His dominant performance highlights the resurgence of simultaneous exhibitions as showcases of classical over-the-board skill, endurance, and mental agility.
Praggnanandhaa Overtakes Gukesh in FIDE Rankings
In a major shift within Indian chess, R Praggnanandhaa has surpassed reigning world champion D Gukesh in the live FIDE rankings. Now ranked around world No. 5 with a classical rating near 2779, Praggnanandhaa also moves ahead of Gukesh as India’s second-highest-rated player.
This marks another stepping stone for the 19-year-old, who recently beat Gukesh at Wijk aan Zee, and confirms his status as one of the most rapidly rising talents in elite chess.
2025 is proving to be a crucible of chess innovation and transformation. Freestyle Chess’s Las Vegas debut, Carlsen’s historic rating, Dardha’s record-shattering simul, and Praggnanandhaa’s climb in rankings reflect a vibrant landscape where formats, talent, and technology intersect.
The Global Chess League stands committed to highlighting these milestones, celebrating a game that’s not just evolving – it’s flourishing on a global stage. The next move? Stay tuned for more breakthroughs in formats, competitions, and the careers of the next generation of grandmasters.
