
Chess Showdown: Grandmasters Tabatabaei, Truong Son, Mamedov, and Pranesh Ready for 2025 Paris Freestyle Grand Slam Knockout Stage!
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The chess world is buzzing as four exceptional Grandmasters have secured their positions for the highly anticipated Knockout Stage of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam.
With a remarkable score of
7.5/9, Amin Tabatabaei, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Rauf Mamedov, and M Pranesh are set to face off against the elite of the chess community, including already invited luminaries like Ding Liren and Nodirbek Abdusattor.
This thrilling event not only promises exciting matchups but also holds a staggering prize pool of $50,000 just for the Play-In competition!
Scheduled for March 13-14, the Knockout Stage will determine which of these talented players earn the coveted last spot in Paris, joining household names such as World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Magnus Carlsen.
As we prepare for this electrifying showdown, let’s dive deeper into the profiles of the Grandmasters who have shown exceptional skill and determination to make it this far.

Key Takeaways
- Four Grandmasters qualified for the knockout stage of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam with impressive scores.
- The knockout stage will determine the final spot for the tournament, competing for a share of a $50,000 prize pool.
- Upcoming matches will feature a fast-paced format with potential rapid tiebreakers to decide the winner.
Overview of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Grand Slam
## Overview of the 2025 Paris Freestyle Grand Slam The excitement is building as we look forward to the 2025 Paris Freestyle Grand Slam, where the world’s best chess talents will converge in the City of Lights.
This prestigious event promises high-stakes competition and thrilling encounters, as four exceptional Grandmasters have emerged from the Play-In to vie for the final qualifying spot.
Amin Tabatabaei, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Rauf Mamedov, and M Pranesh each secured an impressive score of
7.5/9, showcasing their skill and determination.
These players will now face distinguished rivals including the current World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and chess legend Magnus Carlsen in the highly anticipated Knockout Stage set for March 13-14.
The battle for inclusion in the Grand Slam, which boasts an impressive prize pool of $50,000 for the Play-In segment alone, guarantees an electrifying atmosphere.
Tabatabaei has been a standout, leading the Swiss stage and demonstrating impressive composure despite the stress of competition.
Meanwhile, Mamedov’s unbeaten run has showcased his tactical prowess, and Nguyen has proved to be a formidable opponent as well.
At just a young age, Pranesh has made waves with his remarkable victories, including one over seasoned rival Raunak Sadhwani, earning him admiration and support from chess fans worldwide.
As the tensions mount, the Knockout format will feature two games with 15-minute controls, with rapid tiebreakers kicking in if necessary.
This dynamic setup promises to keep both players and spectators on the edge of their seats, making every second count.
Following the Knockout, the Grand Slam from April 7-14 will see 11 players battling for supremacy.
With one sought-after qualification seat still available, the chess world will undoubtedly tune in to witness the thrilling conclusion to this pivotal stage of the tournament.
Profiles of the Qualifying Grandmasters
As we delve deeper into the profiles of these remarkable Grandmasters, it’s clear that each has brought unique flair and strategy to the tournament.
Amin Tabatabaei, known for his calm composure under pressure, displayed exceptional skill by not only leading the tournament but also showcasing his resilience, especially in tense moments towards the end.
Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, on the other hand, impressed spectators with his dynamic style of play, making calculated risks that often paid off.
Rauf Mamedov’s undefeated streak through the Play-In revealed his deep understanding of the game, combining aggressive tactics with solid defense that frustrated his opponents.
Finally, M Pranesh, standing out as the youngest player, not only captured attention with his age but dazzled fans with bold victories against seasoned players, earning a spot in the hearts of chess enthusiasts and proving age is just a number in the world of chess.