Viswanathan Anand Withdraws from Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour

New Delhi: Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has made headlines with his unexpected decision to withdraw from the upcoming Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, set to kick off in Germany on February 7. His withdrawal has prompted discussions across the global chess community, particularly regarding the implications of his new role as FIDE Vice President and his ongoing tensions with current World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen.

The Complexities Behind Anand’s Decision

Anand’s initial acceptance to participate in the tournament, including a wild card invitation from co-founder Jan Henric Buettner, showcased a potential collaboration. However, Buettner noted that Anand’s recent elevation to the FIDE Vice Presidency may have complicated matters. The chess community has witnessed a growing friction between Anand and Carlsen, particularly following critical remarks Carlsen made regarding Anand during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
In light of these tensions, Anand ultimately felt more comfortable stepping back from the tournament. “I respect his decision,” Buettner stated, acknowledging the various factors that may have influenced Anand’s choice.

Upcoming Tournament Highlights

Despite Anand’s absence, the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour promises to feature top-tier players, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and D Gukesh. Following the Germany leg, the tour will continue to Paris, New York, and potentially New Delhi, although discussions about shifting the New Delhi leg to another location are ongoing due to investor interest concerns.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament organizers aim to declare the Cape Town leg a world championship of freestyle chess, although FIDE’s agreement on using the “World Championship” title is still under discussion.

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