For the first time in its history, the prestigious Freestyle Chess Grand Slam is touching down on African soil, with South Africa set to crown the 2025 champion.
From 8-11 December, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape will provide a spectacular backdrop. Eight of the world’s top grandmasters will compete in a thrilling year-end showdown.
CHESS CHAMPIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The elite field, featuring modern greats like Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and Fabiano Caruana (USA), will battle for the title of Freestyle Chess Champion 2025.
The event, organised in collaboration with Chess South Africa and over twenty local Cape Town clubs, promises to be a major celebration for the local chess community.
The festivities kick off on 4 December with a press conference at Cape Town’s Silo Hotel, according to Chess Base.
THE UNDERWATER EXHIBITION
In a unique spectacle, the players will then dive into an underwater chess exhibition, a variant created by Etan Ilfeld.
The day culminates in a Welcome Beach Party at the Grand Africa Café & Beach, where the drawing of lots will take place.
The competition itself follows a rapid Round Robin stage, followed by three days of knockout matches.
CHESS IN SOUTH AFRICA
With double tour points on offer, the race remains wide open. Freestyle Chess COO Thomas Harsch emphasised that the event is designed as an experience, not just a tournament.
It aims to connect with new audiences across South Africa.
While the Grootbos venue is private, fans in South Africa can follow every move at a dedicated public viewing venue in Cape Town, with daily live commentary.
A TRUE LANDMARK EVENT
The event will also be broadcast globally via two live streams featuring legendary commentators like Judit Polgar and Peter Leko.
Andre Lewaks, President of Chess South Africa, stated the federation is proud to support this landmark event.
He called it a privilege to host the world’s best players and inspire local clubs and fans. This grand finale firmly places South Africa at the centre of the chess world this December.
