FIDE Criticizes Freestyle Chess for Branding Grand Slam Tour as “World Championship”

FIDE Criticizes Freestyle Chess for Branding Grand Slam Tour as “World Championship”

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has issued a stern warning to the Freestyle Chess Players Club (FCPC) for branding its upcoming Grand Slam tour as a “World Championship.” The dispute between FIDE and FCPC, led by German businessman Jan Henric Buettner and co-founded by GM Magnus Carlsen, has escalated, with FIDE threatening potential legal action.

The $4 million 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, set to begin with the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Weissenhaus on February 7, has drawn criticism from FIDE for presenting itself as a world championship. The series, which will showcase Chess960, a variant that shuffles back-rank pieces to emphasize creativity, has sparked concerns about dividing the chess community.

FIDE emphasized its role as the sole governing body for chess rules, titles, and ratings, warning that FCPC’s initiative could undermine its global responsibilities. The governing body also raised the specter of a potential split in the chess world, similar to the one seen in the 90s with Garry Kasparov’s PCA.

The statement from FIDE comes amid a rocky relationship between FIDE and Magnus Carlsen, who recently clashed with the governing body over attire at the World Rapid Championship. Despite the tensions, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has stated that players participating in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will not face sanctions.

FIDE has called for an agreement with FCPC to refrain from labeling the series as a “World Championship,” threatening legal action against those who violate its rights. The chess community awaits further developments as the dispute between FIDE and FCPC unfolds.