Hans Niemann earns spot in Las Vegas Freestyle Chess Grand Slam

Hans Niemann secured the tenth spot in the upcoming Las Vegas leg of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam by winning a competitive online Play-In tournament. The event featured a 9-round Swiss followed by a 16-player knockout, with Niemann defeating Denis Lazavik in a tense Armageddon decider. With nine invitees already confirmed, including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, the full line-up for the 16-player July event continues to take shape. | Photo: Frans Peeters