The Freestyle Chess Open in Karlsruhe has begun. The world-class tournament is part of the grenke Chess Festival at the Schwarzwaldhalle, where nearly 4,000 players compete across six events – the largest chess tournament globally. Play runs from April 2 to 6. The Freestyle Open A is the key event, with the winner qualifying directly for the 2027 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship.

The field, packed with world-class players, reflects the competitive value of the event. Magnus Carlsen, the world’s number one, Vincent Keymer, Germany’s number one, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the world’s number five, lead the field. Nine rounds will be played. Each game begins with a newly generated starting position. Last year, Carlsen managed to win the Freestyle Open with nine wins out of nine games, a fabulous achievement that the Norwegian believes he will not be able to repeat. He’s trying anyway.

More than 200,000 euros in prize money will be awarded in the Freestyle Open A, with 60,000 euros going to the winner. The top three women will earn spots in the 2027 Women’s Freestyle Chess World Championship.