Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has withdrawn from the upcoming Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, citing complications arising from his role as FIDE Deputy President. His decision follows ongoing tensions between the global chess federation and the event’s organizers.
Viswanathan Anand’s Withdrawal and Its Implications
Freestyle Chess co-founder Jan Henric Buettner revealed to Times of India that Anand had initially accepted a wildcard invitation for the tour’s Germany leg. “I gave him a wild card for Germany, and he accepted very happily,” Buettner stated. However, Anand’s FIDE position appears to have influenced his decision. “For some reason, he chose to become the FIDE Vice President. I don’t know if it’s the wisest decision,” he added.
Another factor in Anand’s withdrawal may be his public friction with World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The controversy surrounding the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship, particularly the “jeans issue,” led Carlsen to criticize Anand’s suitability for his FIDE role. According to Buettner, an attempt was made to resolve the situation. “We communicated with him and asked, ‘What if Magnus apologises for his comments?’ But in the end, he said he felt more comfortable not participating,” he explained.
Also Read: FIDE and Freestyle Chess Tour Deadlocked as Negotiations Collapse
The 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour
The 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour begins on February 7 in Germany, featuring top players like Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and D Gukesh. Javokhir Sindarov has replaced Anand in the event. The tour will continue through Paris, New York, and New Delhi, with Cape Town hosting the final leg in December.
Meanwhile, discussions between FIDE and the event organizers continue over the use of the term “World Championship” for the tour finale. Buettner remains hopeful of an agreement soon, stating, “If we reach this deal with FIDE, then we will officially call the whole thing a world championship.”
Future Uncertainty for Viswanathan Anand
As Anand steps away, questions remain over whether he will participate in future Freestyle Grand Slam events or maintain his distance. His decision underscores the deepening divide between traditional chess governance and the evolving landscape of freestyle formats.
Also Read: Praggnanandhaa Defeats Gukesh in Sudden Death, Clinches Maiden Tata Steel Masters Title
