Archive · 20 Jul 2025
Praggnanandhaa Beats Carlsen Twice in a Week at Freestyle Chess
Imagine a super-smart chess player named Praggnanandhaa from India.
He played against the best chess player in the world, Magnus Carlsen, in a special chess tournament where the game starts in a new way each time.
Praggnanandhaa beat Carlsen not once, but twice in a week!
This was a big deal because Carlsen rarely loses.
The first time, Praggnanandhaa beat Carlsen in a game that decided who went to the next round.
Then, he beat him again in the lower bracket.
This proves Praggnanandhaa is getting really good and challenges Carlsen, even though Carlsen is still considered the best.
Carlsen has admitted Praggnanandhaa's skill, highlighting his strong calculating ability.
Indian chess player Praggnanandhaa beat World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice in a week at the Las Vegas Freestyle Chess event.
Praggnanandhaa won in the classification game for a quarterfinal spot and again in the lower bracket.
These victories came after Praggnanandhaa lost a 10-hour match and after Carlsen had other recent defeats.
The Freestyle Chess format uses randomized starting positions to challenge established chess theory.
Carlsen has praised Praggnanandhaa and acknowledged his impressive calculation skills, although he noted areas for improvement.
- Who
- Praggnanandhaa and Magnus Carlsen
- What
- Praggnanandhaa defeated Magnus Carlsen twice in a Freestyle Chess event.
- When
- Within a week during the Las Vegas Freestyle Chess event.
- Where
- Las Vegas
- Why
- To advance in the tournament and to showcase skill in the Freestyle chess format.
Magnus Carlsen
Praggnanandhaa
Chess Skill
Magnus Carlsen
Carlsen believes Indian players, including Praggnanandhaa, have excellent calculation skills.
Praggnanandhaa
Carlsen notes that Indian players may lack intuitive play compared to some other chess players.
- Players
- Praggnanandhaa and Magnus Carlsen
- Event
- Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour
- Location
- Las Vegas
- Format
- Freestyle Chess
- Result
- Praggnanandhaa won twice against Carlsen