Freestyle-Chess

🎉 Happy 60th Birthday, Jan Henric Buettner! 🎉

Today, we celebrate not just a special birthday, but also the visionary driving force and initiator of Freestyle Chess. Your passion and dedication have made a significant impact in the chess world and beyond. The best part? You’re just getting started! The revolution is still unfolding, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

May your day be as extraordinary as you are, and may you continue to enrich the chess world and beyond with your tireless efforts. Here’s to many more years of innovation and success! 🥳

Happy Birthday! 🎂🎈

New series with prize money of $1 million per tournament. 🤑
Chess legend Magnus Carlsen, investor Jan Henric Buettner, VC Left Lane Capital, launch new company to revolutionize professional chess

New York/Hamburg – July 25, 2024: Freestyle Chess, a groundbreaking new venture founded by Magnus Carlsen and Jan Henric Buettner, announced today that it is raising $12 million in funding from Left Lane Capital. This significant investment will be used to establish a leading tournament series that aims to revolutionize the world of chess.

The event series will showcase the world’s best chess players, each with compelling stories, in a completely new and attractive format for media, spectators, and consumers. The 25 Super Grand Masters currently representing the total of the Freestyle Chess Players Club all have an ELO rating above 2725. The world’s top-players will be front and center to this new, mass-market-oriented chess series, where nine Super Grand Masters are handpicked by Magnus Carlsen, who has committed himself to playing Freestyle Chess exclusively at the Grand Slam series. All tournaments will be held in exclusive venues with an aura of luxury and style, with all games played according to chess960 rules. Freestyle Chess already had a tournament in February as a blueprint that set the bar high.
📸 Lennart Ootes

We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sigrun Øen, mother of Magnus Carlsen, wife of Henrik. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Magnus, his loved ones and friends.

📸 Lennart Ootes

Relive the exhilarating moments from the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge! 🏆✨ From brilliant moves to intense showdowns, this tournament had it all. Swipe through to catch the highlights and tell us: Which game left you on the edge of your seat? 🤔

Huge shout out to our sponsors:
BMW, , , , Champagne Laurent-Perrier, S.Pellegrino, Borinofizz. This wouldn‘t have been possible without your support!

🥳GIVEAWAY: Don’t miss your chance to win signed cards from your favourite chess players! Enter our exciting prize draw until tonight to call these exclusive cards yours! Winners will be messaged after the end of the prize draw via PM. Good luck! 🍀

In the two remaining games, Caruana beat Aronian and Gukesh beat Keymer, so both of these matches are going to playoff! 🔥 🤝 One of Fabiano’s greatest strengths is coming back after losses. Who will emerge victorious and secure a place in the final? Don’t miss the action! ♟️

Check the article about Fabiano Caruana: https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/fabiano-caruana/

Exclusive insights from Alireza Firouzja! 🏆 After his lightning-fast victory over Ding Liren, Firouzja shares his anticipation for the remaining games. Catch the full interview with Peter Doggers for more behind-the-scenes action. https://www.freestyle-chess.com/news/i-just-played-the-logical-moves/

Two hours in and here is the current status of our quarter final matches: Ding-Abdusattorov end in a draw, which means the Uzbek grandmaster advances to the semis. Aronian still has an advantage against Keymer, as does Caruana against Gukesh. Last but not least, Carlsen is still in the driver's seat against Firouzja and will do everything he can to take the match into playoffs.

🚀Day 3 marked the thrilling start of the quarterfinals at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge! Get ready on day 4 for an intense showdown as the top players face off: Abdusattorov vs. Ding, Keymer vs. Aronian, Caruana vs. Gukesh, and Firouzja vs. Carlsen, with colors reversed.

Take a look at the round reports to make sure you don't miss the latest updates:

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/results-round-reports/

What a day! Yesterday we saw Magnus Carlsen triumph against Ding Liren in a thrilling and strategically brilliant game! What has been your favourite moment so far? The quarter-finals start today!

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/streaming-video/

The final results are in for the preliminary round. 🙌🏻 What game was the most exciting for you?

Even for the Greatest Grandmasters this tournament is challenging.♟️ However Vincent Keymer, Gukesh Dommaraju and Nodirbek Abdusattorov end the first day of the tournament great success.

Long anticipated, Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren will face each other today, after Ding became World Champion last year.🌟🏆

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/results-round-reports/

The game between and ends in a draw after an incredibly exciting battle!💫

On your marks, get set, go! We are about to start the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T Challenge. Yesterday our players arrived and checked out the venue while receiving their costum made jackets by . The only question is who is starting off today? See you later at the chessboard. 🤓
https://www.freestyle-chess.com

Gukesh shares his excitement about the up coming WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T Challenge with Sportschau. 🌟Don't miss his electrifying gameplay at the upcoming competition!

Let yourself be transported into a world where strategy and creativity meet in the iconic Big Barn Studios at WEISSENHAUS - a center of creativity and cutting-edge technology. ⚡️

Known as one of the best recording studios in Europe, they will now also make history as the venue for the first WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge from February 9 - 16, 2024.

The great of chess go head-to-head, combining the sophistication of chess with the pulsating energy of a state-of-the-art studio. Look forward to an electrifying atmosphere where strategic brilliance meets creative thinking.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com

Discover the magic of chess at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge! 🏰✨ Located by the tranquil Baltic Sea, Weissenhaus - Private Nature Luxury Resort offers the perfect idyllic resort for an unforgettable chess tournament.

The natural setting allows players to relax amidst 75 hectares of lush meadows, green forests and the refreshing sea breeze, providing the perfect environment for strategic play.

Join us from February 9 - 16, 2024, when the elite of chess supergrandmasters gather at the picturesque WEISSENHAUS for an unforgettable showdown of skill, strategy and determination in Chess960.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com

Join Levon Aronian, the groundbreaking pioneer of Chess960, on a captivating journey at the highly anticipated WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge! 🏆

From his historic victories in the early world championships to his innovative playing tactics, Aronian's legacy is written in the pages of chess history.

But Aronian's influence extends far beyond the chessboard. A lover of music and art, he infuses his unique artistic vision into every aspect of his life, from his bold fashion choices to his unconventional approach to chess.

"When you embrace what you see in front of you and look for original solutions rather than familiar patterns, you broaden your horizons", says Aronian about the upcoming Chess960 competition at WEISSENHAUS.

Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge from February 9 - 16, 2024, as the greatest of chess face off in a format that pushes the boundaries of the traditional game.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/levon-aronian/

At just 16 years old, Gukesh made chess history by defeating the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen! Now he is ready to prove his brilliance at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge in Chess960. Join us from February 9 - 16, 2024 as Gukesh brings his unparalleled determination and strategic skill to the battlefield.

Don't miss the chance to witness this gripping spectacle unfold!

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/dommaraju-gukesh/

At 17 Nodirbek Abdusattorov became the World champion in rapid chess, leading the national team to Olympic gold.
Now he joins us at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge February 9 - 16. 🏆

Abdusattorov's journey defies age and expectations. His fearless approach at the board and his relentless pursuit of victory against top contenders make him a force to be reckoned with. Born in Uzbekistan, Abdusattorov's talent emerged early, propelling him to grandmaster status at just 13. He plays with a maturity beyond his years, employing technique and calculation to dismantle opponents on the board.

Witness Abdusattorov's prowess and determination at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge. Don't miss the chance to see this rising star in action!

Februar 9 - 16 on https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/nodirbek-abdusattorov/

Representing Germany: Vincent Keymer ⚡️
At just 13, he stunned the chess world with a historic victory, outplaying 49 grandmasters and achieving a remarkable tournament performance. Now, at 19, he is well on his way to breaking into the world's top 10, offering Germany a glimmer of hope. Despite the pressure that weighs on Keymer’s shoulders he says: "I'm the one to put pressure on myself.“

Keymer's path is characterised by relentless determination and unwavering ambition. He managed to juggle chess and school and became Germany's youngest grandmaster and highest-rated player.
As he continues to rise, Keymer remains pragmatic and aware of the fierce competition in today's chess landscape. Nevertheless, he is determined to maximise his potential, driven by a passion to push boundaries and redefine what is possible.

Join him at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge from February 9 - 16, 2024 as he showcases his skill and ambition.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/vincent-keymer/

A match we've been waiting for: ♟️Alireza Firouzja will face Magnus Carlsen at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge starting February 9th, 2024.

In 2023, Carlsen withdrew from the World Championship because Firouzja failed to qualify. For Carlsen, Firouzja was the ultimate rival, as he recognised his exceptional talent early on and mentored him during the pandemic, allowing him to flourish both on and off the board.

Firouzja's ambitions go far beyond the 64 squares.
Alireza Firouzja is not only climbing the ranks of the world's best chess players, he is also a visionary fashion designer who combines artistry with intellect.

Stay tuned for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/alireza-firouzja/

Better late than never: Ding Liren started playing chess at the age of 9. His career started late compared to his rivals, but that didn't stop him from rising to become the reigning 2023 World Champion. 🏆

Chess fans dubbed him "Chinese Wall" for his unbeaten streak of over 100 games from August 2017 to November 2018. What sets Ding apart from others is his fondness for tactical complexity and strategic brilliance. His games captivate audiences with their sheer intensity. Ding Liren has developed his style as he has climbed the ranks of the international elite while remaining humble and shunning the limelight.

Be there when Ding takes on Magnus Carlsen in what promises to be one of the most anticipated duels of the year!

The exclusiv event takes place from February 9 - 16, 2024 at the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge. Follow us for the livestream and daily updates.

https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/ding-liren/

🌟Meet Fabiano Caruana: From Miami to Madrid, this Italian-American chess sensation's journey is as dynamic as his gameplay.

His passion for chess emerged early, dazzling audiences with simultaneous performances at just ten years old.

In 2004, Caruana's family made a pivotal decision to relocate to Madrid, immersing him in the heart of European chess and tournament culture. This strategic move laid the groundwork for his professional career, ultimately leading him to a historic world championship match against Magnus Carlsen in 2018.

Known for his courage on the board and his resilience in tournaments, he possesses a rare ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver exceptional performances.

Now, Caruana brings his wealth of experience and expertise to the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge, where he will compete against the best in Chess960.

Get ready for captivating insights and exciting games, from February 9 - 16, 2024.
https://www.freestyle-chess.com/persons/fabiano-caruana/