Magnus Carlsen feels Gukesh could 'struggle' at Paris leg of Freestyle Chess Tour: 'Everyone's at risk'

Magnus Carlsen said D Gukesh may not qualify for knockouts at the Paris leg of Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. He also explained why Weissenhaus leg winner Vincent Keymer may also miss out.

Magnus Carlsen did not mince words when he said that chess world champion D Gukesh could “struggle” in the upcoming Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025. Gukesh, 18, is the youngest world chess champion, but his victory came in the classical format.

The Chennai Grandmaster is still to make a name for himself in the freestyle chess which is also known as Fischer Random chess or the faster version of the sport like rapid and blitz events. In the first leg of the inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour,
Gukesh finished eighth in the standings after failing to win a single game.

He also
lost his match against Freestyle Chess co-founder Carlsen, which was the first meeting between the new world champions and chess world No.1 since the World Championship in December 2024.

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