Full Lineup Of The Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025: Major Names and Surprises

The Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025 is all set to be a historic moment in history with its unpredictable lineup. The tournament features grandmasters and world champions, promising high drama and headline-worthy moments.

The event will take place from 16-20 July 2025 at the Wynn Resorts and features a massive prize pool of $660,000, which is the biggest for the winner in the entire chess. However, the spotlight is also on who’s NOT attending the Las Vegas Grand Slam, which is Gukesh D.

Gukesh D’s Absence 

Gukesh D, the reigning world champion, has been a part of the Freestyle Chess Tour 2025 since the first leg in February. However, he has not claimed a single win in all three legs he has appeared in. Ever since the rivalry between Gukesh D and Magnus Carlsen became more rigid as the 19-year-old defeated him in classical format at the Norway Chess 2025, speculations of him not being included in the Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025 are at an all-time high.

And as it turns out, they were right, as his name is not in the tournament’s roster. The reason for his absence has not yet been announced. With that being said, the tournament is all set to feature a dramatic lineup featuring world number 1 Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann, and Arjun Erigaisi, so let’s take a look at the full lineup.

Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025: Surprises And Historic Additions

Magnus Carlsen, who reached a peak Elo rating of 2900 in Freestyle chess just a few days back, returns to the tournament to continue his dominant run.

Hikaru Nakamura, who has emerged as a formidable force at the tournament, will be seen at the Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025, along with Fabiano Caruana.

Hans Niemann, who secured his place in the Paris Leg of the tour through Chess.com qualifiers, will be seen in Las Vegas. He pulled out of the Paris Leg last minute, and now he will appear in this leg. His matches against Magnus Carlsen will be a must-watch event due to the high-profile drama between them.

Another historic addition to the Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025 is Bibisara Assaubayeva, who is set to become the first woman to compete in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, marking a significant milestone for the gender gap.

With Gukesh D being absent from the Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigiasi, and Vidit Gujrathi to represent India in this elite tournament.

Las Vegas Grand Slam 2025 Roster

1. Magnus Carlsen
2. Hikaru Nakamura
3. Fabiano Caruana
4. Hans Niemann
5. Bibisara Assaubayeva
6. Arjun Erigaisi
7. Levon Aronian
8. Wesley So
9. Nodirbek Abdusattorov
10. Leinier Dominguez
11. Parham Maghsoodloo
12. Vincent Keymer
13. Ian Nepomniachtchi
14. R Praggnanandhaa
15. Javokhir Sindarov
16. Vidit Gujrathi

Also Read: Ostrava Golden Spike Meet 2025 Full Results