The Indian leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 has officially been cancelled due to a lack of sponsorship. The cancellation, which had been rumoured for several months, has now been confirmed by Jan Henric Buettner, the CEO of Freestyle Chess.
“India will not happen this year,” Buettner told Chess.com, ending all speculation about the New Delhi event.
India Leg Was to Be Penultimate Stage
The Delhi stage was supposed to serve as the penultimate event in the six-leg Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. So far, tournaments have successfully taken place in Weissenhaus, Paris, and Karlsruhe. The next stop is Las Vegas, scheduled from July 16 to 20, while the tour is set to conclude in Cape Town between December 5 and 12.
Alternative Event May Replace Cancelled Delhi Leg
Buettner hinted that a substitute event could be introduced for the cancelled India leg.
“We will do something special for the September leg of the tour instead. This will be announced after Las Vegas,” he stated.
Buettner to Step Down as Freestyle Chess CEO
The German entrepreneur also confirmed that he will step down from his CEO position at Freestyle Chess on July 1. Thomas Harsch will take over leadership duties. Buettner had previously expressed a desire to transition to a less operational role.
“I hope I get out of it! I want it to be implemented in a perfect way. I am giving everything, so when all my visions in my head are implemented, then I can have a more executive role,” Buettner had told Chess.com.
Magnus Carlsen Eyes Lead in Las Vegas
The upcoming Las Vegas tournament will see world No.1 Magnus Carlsen attempt to extend his dominance in the tour. Carlsen currently tops the leaderboard with 65 points.
India’s world champion D Gukesh will miss the Las Vegas event, although no specific reason for his absence has been provided. However, India will still be represented by Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.