The International Chess Federation (FIDE) officially released the lineup of players for the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament, sending the international chess world a little confused. It will be starting from September 3 to 16 in the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the event will again be a make-or-break qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament the last stop before battling for the World Chess Championship.
No Magnus Carlsen?
One of the event’s most lingering questions has now been solved: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen won’t be showing up. In defiance of much speculation regarding a hypothetical return to the classical World Championship cycle, five-time World Champion Carlsen has decided against entering the 2025 Grand Swiss, following his pattern of being selective with regards to classical tournaments since relinquishing the title of current World Champion.
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Carlsen’s absence is certainly a focal point of conversation, but it also presents an opportunity for the stars of the future to put their stamp on the grandest stage.
An Elite Lineup Convenes In Samankand
The tournament will consist of 172 players in two sections, 116 in the Open section and 56 in the Women’s section all playing an 11-round Swiss system. Some of the brightest names in chess now are confirmed to play: reigning World Champion D Gukesh, Indian No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi, and new young stars R Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin.
International giants like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Alireza Firouzja, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Anish Giri, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Levon Aronian will also be in the mix, making the event chock-full of top-level battles from the beginning.
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The 2025 Grand Swiss field features 101 rating-based invitees in the Open section, plus one representative from each continent, six FIDE wildcards, and five local organizing committee selections.
