The continuing Weissenhaus Grand Slam has taken the chess world by storm, and has additionally had its justifiable share of controversies. Including extra gasoline to the fireplace, the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour has added Hans Niemann to their roster for the Paris leg. Niemann revealed on social media that he shall be taking part within the occasion in Paris, which is scheduled for April 8-15. Niemann’s inclusion additionally comes as a shock for a lot of, contemplating that he was concerned with Magnus Carlsen in a high-profile lawsuit.
Hans Niemann will be a part of Magnus Carlsen on the Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam occasion.(Twitter/FIDE (Maria Emelianova/Michal Walusza))
The lawsuit got here after Carlsen withdrew after dropping to the American GM on the 2022 Sinquefield Cup. Later, Carlsen accused him of dishonest and likewise claimed that he thought-about withdrawing from the match as a result of Niemann’s final minute invitation. The lawsuit was additionally filed towards Hikaru Nakamura, who publicly supported Carlsen. In 2023, all events concerned within the authorized dispute reached an settlement. Each Carlsen and Nakamura are senior members of the Freestyle Chess Gamers Membership. In the meantime, the World No. 1 can also be co-owner of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour together with Jan Henric Buettner.
The choice to ask Niemann additionally looks like a sensible transfer by Buettner, because it may improve viewership and curiosity as a result of his rivalry with Carlsen. Chatting with Hindustan Instances, Buettner agreed that he expects the Paris Grand Slam to attract extra consideration as a result of Carlsen and Niemann’s rivalry.
Niemann can also be energetic on X, previously generally known as Twitter, along with his anti-Carlsen tweets. Additionally what has stunned many is that Niemann has additionally been very crucial on social media on the subject of the Grand Slam Tour. Via his submit, it additionally appeared that he was siding with FIDE of their ongoing tussle with FCPC relating to official recognition for a Freestyle World Chess Championship. He additionally retweeted Carlsen’s tweet on FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich, labelling the Norwegian with loads of adverse phrases. When FIDE launched their assertion that the Freestyle Chess World Championship hasn’t obtained official recognition and the FCPC revealed a letter, he additionally took oblique digs on the Buettner and Carlsen co-owned organisation.
If Niemann’s earlier tweets have been to be believed, followers would have anticipated him to say no taking part on the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. However it doesn’t appear so, as Buettner revealed that it was simple to persuade the 21-year-old.
Did Magnus Carlsen agree?
Additionally, different members of the FCPC, together with Carlsen, are in settlement with Niemann’s inclusion. “Magnus does not like it, but he accepts the fact that Hans has qualified. So he will be up to the task. Other GMs that I spoke to are in favour of his inclusion”, Buettner added.
Since his acceptance of the invitation, Niemann has modified his tone on the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. On Thursday, he introduced to his followers on X, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Freestyle Paris edition. Winning the Grenke Open last year was an incredible experience, and I am eager to return to the Freestyle/Grenke Open. No matter what opportunities come my way, I will continue to let my chess speak for itself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
The prize cash for every Freestyle Chess Grand Slam occasion in 2025 has been set at 750,000 {dollars}, and 88 p.c of the prize fund (660,000 {dollars}) shall be divided among the many ten gamers, based on their rankings. The GM who wins the occasion will obtain 200,000 {dollars}, in the meantime the participant who comes tenth will get 7,500 {dollars}. In the meantime, 12 p.c of the prize fund, which is 90,000 {dollars}, shall be divided among the many non-playing FCPC members, who’ve a classical Elo score of greater than 2725 within the month of the occasion. Additionally, there shall be relation allocation of funds, based on Elo score above 2725.
The winner of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will obtain prize cash after the ultimate occasion. The winner will get 150,000 {dollars}, and second, third place will obtain 100,000 {dollars} and 50,000 {dollars}.
Carlsen failed to succeed in the finals at Weissenhaus, dropping to Vincent Keymer, and is combating for third place. He’ll hope to bounce again and clinch the title in Paris. So, the stage is ready for an epic showdown between two modern-day chess rivals as Niemann enters the fray in Paris.