Did Levon Aronian Claim His First Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Title?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating showdown in Las Vegas, Levon Aronian claimed his first Freestyle Chess Grand Slam title. With fierce competition from chess giants, Aronian's victory over Hans Niemann stands out. Discover how other players like Carlsen and Erigaisi fared in this thrilling event!
Key Takeaways
- Levon Aronian won his first Freestyle Chess Grand Slam title.
- He defeated Hans Niemann with a score of 1.5-0.5.
- World No. 1 Carlsen finished third, earning USD 160,000.
- Arjun Erigaisi claimed the fifth position.
- Praggnanandhaa ended in seventh place.
Las Vegas, July 21 (NationPress) Levon Aronian achieved his inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam title at Wynn Las Vegas, triumphing over Hans Niemann with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the final.
World No. 1 Carlsen secured third place after defeating Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-0.5, earning USD 160,000. Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi bested Fabiano Caruana 2-0 to finish fifth, while Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu prevailed over Wesley So 1.5-0.5 to take seventh.
The 42-year-old Aronian, who previously eliminated both Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura earlier in the competition, secured the title and the USD 200,000 first prize by decisively winning the second game after an initial draw.
"This is one of the most significant victories in my life, especially considering the prize fund. I feel incredibly happy and thankful for this opportunity," Aronian expressed in a statement reported by Freestyle Chess.
Niemann narrowly missed out on a major career achievement, finishing as the runner-up and earning USD 140,000.
World No. 1 Carlsen's victory over Nakamura allowed him to claim third place and USD 160,000. Following a balanced draw in the first game, Carlsen pressed his advantage in the second game to secure his position. This result maintains Carlsen's lead in the overall Grand Slam Tour standings, despite not contending for the title in Las Vegas, as reported by Freestyle Chess.
Caruana appeared more energized compared to the previous day, demonstrating his prowess on the board by defeating the skilled Indian Grandmaster Arjun twice, finishing fifth in the tournament.
Praggnanandhaa clinched seventh place after achieving a two-game victory over So. His win in the second game mirrored Nakamura's experience, where the American grandmaster struggled to get out of the opening.
The challenge stemmed from a long tactical sequence unfavorable for Black, resulting in a trapped rook and an exchange loss for So, which Praggnanandhaa capitalized on without difficulty.
Having won three tournaments earlier this year and showcasing impressive chess, Praggnanandhaa expressed dissatisfaction with his final position.
"Seventh doesn’t sound great, but I believe I played significantly better than my final standing suggests. In critical moments, I didn’t perform at my best. I should have secured draws when necessary," Praggnanandhaa reflected.
Point of View
I find the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam a fascinating spectacle that showcases the pinnacle of strategic thinking and competition. Levon Aronian's victory highlights not only his skill but also the intense rivalry among the world's best. This event undeniably elevates the profile of chess globally, and it is exciting to witness such talent on display.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam?
Levon Aronian won the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam by defeating Hans Niemann.
What was the final score of the championship match?
The final score was 1.5-0.5 in favor of Levon Aronian.
How much prize money did the winner receive?
Levon Aronian received USD 200,000 as the first prize.
Where was the tournament held?
The tournament was held at Wynn Las Vegas.
What position did Praggnanandhaa finish in?
Praggnanandhaa finished in seventh place.
