Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, Las Vegas 2025: Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi enter quarterfinals; Magnus Carlsen eliminated from title contention

India’s R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi entered the quarterfinals of the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam on Thursday.

While Praggnanandhaa finished joint-top of Group White with 4.5 points, Erigaisi was placed third in Group Black.

Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen could only finish fifth in Group White and is now out of the race for Las Vegas title.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW – Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, Las Vegas 2025

Praggnanandhaa’s qualification was enabled by a stunning fourth-round win over Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tournament leader Carlsen with white pieces.

Carlsen had a chance to make a final push for a quarterfinal spot, after finishing level on points with Levon Aronian. But, the Norwegian stumbled in the playoff and can now only finish as high as third in Las Vegas.

Arjun Erigaisi in action against Hikaru Nakamura.
| Photo Credit:
Lennart Ootes/Freestyle Chess.

Erigaisi claimed four points from his group, with three wins, including one over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi, who finished last in the standings.

The quarterfinals will happen on Thursday, with all knockout matches set to happen in a 30+30 classical time control.