12/5/2025 – The XTX Markets London Chess Classic is a 10-player all-play-all tournament taking place from 26 November to 5 December at the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club. Four English players and six international representatives make up the lineup, which includes top seeds Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. | Follow the games live with expert commentary starting at 17.00 CET (11.00 ET, 21.30 IST)

12/5/2025 – Nodirbek Abdusattorov secured the London Chess Classic title with a round to spare after drawing his eighth-round game against Alireza Firouzja. Entering the day with a two-point lead built on six consecutive wins, the Uzbek grandmaster navigated a sharp position more accurately before choosing to force a perpetual check, confirming overall victory. It was the only draw of the round, with all other games ending decisively. | Photo: nodirbekchess.com

12/4/2025 – The main attraction of the XTX Markets London Chess Classic is the elite tournament, but the FIDE Open was also very strong, featuring numerous titled players. After nine rounds, three players finished on 7 points and shared first place: GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu of India (pictured), GM Velimir Ilic of Serbia and GM Ameet K. Ghasi of England. As there were no tiebreaks in the event, the three also shared the prize money for the top three places. | Photo: Yury Krylov / London Chess Classic

12/3/2025 – Nodirbek Abdusattorov secured at least a share of first place at the London Chess Classic by earning his sixth straight win in round seven, defeating Luke McShane in a hard-fought Ruy Lopez. With a two-point lead over Alireza Firouzja and only two rounds remaining, the Uzbek grandmaster is close to securing overall victory. The remaining games were drawn, including an enterprising effort by defending champion Gawain Maroroa Jones against Michael Adams. | Photo: Amruta Mokal (Freestyle Chess Grand Slam)

12/2/2025 – Alongside the elite tournament, the London Chess Classic also includes a well-attended open event. The world's highest-rated junior player, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, is the favourite and is also in the lead after seven rounds - though not alone. Tied with Pragg on 5½ are Velimir Ivic, Pranav Anand, David Gavrilescu, Daniel Fernandez and Ameet Ghasi. | Photos: London Chess Classic

12/2/2025 – Round six of the London Chess Classic saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov extend his lead with a fifth consecutive win, capitalising on a mistake by Sam Shankland in a dynamic Scotch Opening. Alireza Firouzja drew against Abhimanyu Mishra after early tactical complications gave way to a simplified position, while Pavel Eljanov won against Gawain Maroroa Jones. With three rounds remaining, Abdusattorov holds a 1½-point advantage over Firouzja, sitting in sole second place. | Photo: Official website

12/1/2025 – The first half of the London Chess Classic was dominated by Nodirbek Abdusattorov (photo). In round 5 he defeated Nikolas Theodorou with White, reaching 4.5/5 at the halfway mark and pulling a full point ahead of Alireza Firouzja. Firouzja drew with Black against Gawain Maroroa Jones and now stands on 3.5/5. Abhimanyu Mishra and Luke McShane also drew, as did Pavel Eljanov and Michael Adams. The second win of the round went to Nikita Vitiugov, who won a theoretically interesting game against Sam Shankland.| Photo: Tennis legend Andy Murray (center) makes the ceremonial first move | Photo: Tournament page

11/30/2025 – Round four of the London Chess Classic saw Nodirbek Abdusattorov keep his sole lead with a third straight win, this time over Michael Adams in their first classical encounter ever. Alireza Firouzja also scored, outplaying Pavel Eljanov in a lengthy rook endgame, while Luke McShane defeated Gawain Maroroa Jones after a promising position for Black collapsed around move twenty. The remaining games were drawn, leaving Abdusattorov ahead on 3½ points. | Photo: Official website

11/28/2025 – Three decisive games in round two of the London Chess Classic saw Alireza Firouzja, Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Nikolas Theodorou move into the shared lead. Abdusattorov's extensive preparation, Firouzja's tactical win over Luke McShane and Theodorou's controlled performance against defending champion Gawain Maroroa Jones offered contrasting paths to victory at Arsenal Football Club's stadium. | Photo: XTX Markets

11/27/2025 – From 26 November to 7 December, the XTX Markets London Chess Classic showcase the game with a packed programme of tournaments and side events. The centrepiece of the festival is the Elite Tournament, featuring ten top players. The opening round produced five draws and no decisive games, but offered several interesting theoretical contests. | Photo: Elo favourite Alireza Firouzja | Photo: Lennart Ootes, Archive