Carlsen delivers three-word verdict as Freestyle Chess responds to FIDE row: ‘Attempt for greatness’

World No.1 chess participant Magnus Carlsen as soon as once more took a dig on the Worldwide Chess Federation (FIDE) following Freestyle Chess co-founder Jan Henric Beuttner’s open letter to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky. Carlsen, who can also be a co-founder of Freestyle Chess,
has been concerned in a battle with the FIDE ever since he and Henric based the Freestyle Chess Gamers Membership (FCPC) in March 2024.

The duo additionally introduced the launch of the
Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour which might be underway in February. FIDE and Freestyle Chess have been at loggerheads over using the time period “World Championship” for the tournaments organised by Freestyle Chess.

The FIDE, the truth is, additionally requested gamers to signal a contract that claims that they might not take part in a non-FIDE World Championship.

Attempt for greatness @FIDE_chess https://t.co/0h2YTY147L

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) January 28, 2025

Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tour not a World Championship in ’conventional sense’

The letter from Henric, nevertheless, states that the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour isn’t a World Championship within the ’conventional sense’ and that it solely displays the distinctive format of the occasions. The tour will consist of 5 Grand Slams throughout completely different continents and gamers will rating factors on the premise of their efficiency in every Grand Slam.

The participant with the very best factors on the finish will turn into the Freestyle Chess World Champion.

“Let me make clear as soon as once more: our tour isn’t a “World Championship” within the conventional sense, as I’ve defined to each Arkady and Vishy. It’s titled the “Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.” On the finish of every 12 months, we crown a champion in Freestyle Chess — a format which may evolve sooner or later, probably transferring past Chess960 to different new codecs, however not classical chess,” he stated, referring to FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich and FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand.

“The title of “world champion” on this context displays the distinctive format of our occasions, not an try and problem FIDE’s conventional
World Championship cycle.

“If FIDE’s problem really lies with using “World Championship” terminology, it must handle related circumstances, such because the Bughouse World Championship, the place even gamers like Ding Liren have participated. But FIDE has not penalized Ding or others for participating. This inconsistency reveals the true motive behind FIDE’s actions: cash,” he added.

He additionally acknowledged within the letter that Freestyle Chess doesn’t declare to be larger than the FIDE.

Reacting to Beuttner’s letter, Carlsen wrote “Attempt for greatness” whereas additionally tagging FIDE’s official account on X.

Emil Sutovsky, the FIDE CEO, had not too long ago stated that the sports activities’ governing physique was prepared for a battle towards Carlsen and Freestyle Chess if wanted.

“As we speak FIDE might be in the very best place ever — and chess group sees it — we ship unprecedented variety of tasks around the globe, we hold rising prize funds for high gamers and help for instructional and social applications, and we will plan far forward due to our partnerships East and West.

“We’d like to work with any personal venture – particularly with formidable ones. However if you’d like a battle – attempt us,” he added.