2/9/2024 – A new super tournament starts in Weissenhaus, near Hamburg, Germany, today. But it is not just any other super tournament. This event is introduced by none other than the World no.1 Magnus Carlsen himself and it will be in Fischer-Random format or as Carlsen likes to say, Freestyle. Hence, the name WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge. Carlsen's handpicked opponents for this eight-player tournament are: Fabiano Caruana (USA), Ding Liren (CHN), Alireza Firouzja (FRA), Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB), D Gukesh, Vincent Keymer (GER) and Levon Aronian (USA). There will be four rounds of Rapid games played today in Playoffs. Round 1 starts today at 1 p.m. CET, 5:30 p.m. IST, 7 a.m. EST. | Photos: Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal
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Carlsen handpicks his opponents
In multitude of interviews, Magnus Carlsen has abundantly made it clear that he feels the conventional chess should have reduced time control due to the opening of the game played quite fast as it's mostly a preparation. He is not fond of preparing and keeping his preparation up to date. However, Chess960 or Fischer Random chess is something, he feels should have Classical time controls. The reasoning is quite simple, there is no opening theory, so you have to think from move no.1. Here at WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge, players will get the starting position for the round and ten minutes to think, discuss with the same color players if they wish to. However, no seconds or gadgets will be allowed in this time.
Magnus Carlsen mentioned after winning the FIDE World Cup 2023 that his game against D Gukesh was the one which he enjoyed the most. So it is no surprise that Gukesh is one of the seven handpicked opponents. Vincent Keymer (GER) and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) are the only two other teenagers at the event. Keymer was the only player to defeat Carlsen in the World Cup 2023 and almost eliminated him, before the Norwegian went on to win the event. Abdusattorov won the World Rapid Championship 2021 and he upstaged the defending champion en route his first world rapid title. It is no wonder, why Carlsen chose these three teenagers.
Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge official logo
Magnus Carlsen, World Champion from 2013 to 2023, introduced a unique competition format specifically for the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge.
The objective is to elevate chess into an appealing, intellectually stimulating, and captivating sport for a broader audience, targeting a new demographic of spectators and consumers. The event is hosted at the prestigious WEISSENHAUS Private Nature Luxury Resort, known for hosting the G7 Foreign Minister summit in 2022.
The primary focus of the competition is on showcasing the personalities and extraordinary skills of Super Grandmasters, with Magnus Carlsen himself handpicking seven world-class challengers. This innovative approach aims to attract a younger audience of high-potential individuals who have a general interest in sports, catering to enthusiasts from around the globe.
The World no.1 - Magnus Carlsen (NOR), World no.2 - Fabiano Caruana (USA), reigning World Champion - Ding Liren (CHN), World no.6 - Alireza Firouzja (FRA), former World Rapid champion - Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB), World no.16 - D Gukesh, World no.17 - Vincent Keymer (GER) and only two-time World Cup winner in history - Levon Aronian (USA).
Shahid AhmedShahid Ahmed is the senior coordinator and editor of ChessBase India. He enjoys covering chess tournaments and also likes to play in chess events from time to time.
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