French GM Alireza Firouzja Wins 2024 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz Event in Grand Chess Tour

The penultimate event of the 2024 Grand Chess Tour (GCT) has wrapped up in St. Louis, with French GM Alireza Firouzja emerging victorious in the 2024 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament. Firouzja’s impressive performance in the blitz portion of the event propelled him to the top spot, finishing three points ahead of GM Wesley So, who secured second place.

The tournament saw intense competition among top chess players, with Firouzja, So, and Hikaru Nakamura battling it out for the top positions. Firouzja’s dominant performance in the blitz section solidified his lead and ultimately secured him the championship title.

The event also set the stage for the upcoming Sinquefield Cup, which kicks off today in St. Louis. The Sinquefield Cup promises more exciting chess action, with players like Ding Liren and Gukesh D. set to face off in a highly anticipated match. The encounter between Ding Liren and Gukesh D. is particularly significant as it marks their first meeting since Gukesh’s victory in the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament.

Additionally, the tournament had implications for the overall standings in this year’s GCT, with Firouzja now taking the top spot ahead of Fabiano Caruana. With bonuses on the line for the top finishers in the Tour, the competition is heating up as the chess season progresses.

Chess enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling matches and storylines as the 2024 Grand Chess Tour continues to unfold.