The electrifying climax of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam has come, with Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian putting everything on the line in Grootbos, South Africa.

With $200,000 awaiting the winner, the scene is perfect for what might be one of the most predicted chess showdowns of the year.

Carlsen Into Last Eight After Thrilling Tiebreak Drama

Magnus Carlsen Admits His “Brain Is Fried” After Tough Titled
KOEN VAN WEEL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Magnus Carlsen, already confirmed as the 2025 Grand Slam Tour champion, delivered another signature clutch performance in his semifinal against Javokhir Sindarov. Precise and in control, Carlsen took game one.

However, Sindarov refused to go away quietly. With his back against the wall, he answered with a must-win win as Black in game two, a very impressive feat at elite level play, and sent the match to a blitz tiebreak.

According to Freestyle Chess, Carlsen drew first blood as he won the first blitz game. In the second blitz game, he showed great resilience as he arguably was lost at some point but managed to draw the game he needed. His resourcefulness earned him a well-deserved seat in the Grand Final.

Aronian Survives Pressure by Keymer, Dominates in Blitz

In the other semifinal, Vincent Keymer took Levon Aronian to the very limit. Keymer was in control of much of the second classical game and seemed several times about to win. But Aronian is a past master of ingenious defense, and he uncovered an "extraordinary escape" that kept him in the match.

The duel then moved into a blitz tiebreak — and that's when Aronian came alive. With razor-sharp tactics, ice-cold composure, he swept the tiebreak 2–0 to make his second Grand Final appearance this season.

Aronian had earlier won the Las Vegas leg of the Tour in July after beating Hans Niemann. This time, the stage is even bigger and the opponent even tougher: world number one Magnus Carlsen. He termed the opportunity "a great privilege" and is ready for the challenge.

Placement Matches Set after Action-Packed Knockout Battles

With both semifinals wrapped, the remaining players now shift to their placement matches to determine the final standings in the South Africa Finals.

Grand Final- $200,000 on the Line

  • Magnus Carlsen vs. Levon Aronian

Match for 3rd Place

  • Vincent Keymer vs. Javokhir Sindarov

Match for 5th Place

  • Fabiano Caruana vs. Arjun Erigaisi

In the lower bracket, Caruana defeated Parham Maghsoodloo while Arjun took out Niemann, dominating the tiebreak.

Match for 7th Place

  • Hans Niemann vs Parham Maghsoodlooq

Carlsen will be preparing for the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz 2025. The star-studded tournament will start on Dec. 25 until Dec. 30.