FIDE Rapid Chess 2025: Magnus Carlsen And Aleksandra Goryachkina Claim Titles

The FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 delivered a script with pure drama. Magnus Carlsen grabbed his sixth rapid title, dominating with 10.5/13 points, a full point ahead of everyone else. Meanwhile, Aleksandra Goryachkina edged out the women’s field in tense tiebreaks to claim her first-ever crown. This event in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, delivered edge-of-your-seat action right before the blitz kicks off.

Magnus Carlsen’s Triumph

Magnus Carlsen’s run was a masterclass in control. He scored nine wins, three draws, and just one loss, hitting his highest-ever mark in this format. After dropping to Vladislav Artemiev in round seven, he roared back with five straight wins against top players like Hans Niemann and 14-year-old prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. His final draw against Anish Giri sealed the deal, earning €70,000 and a spot in the FIDE Total World Championship Tour. “It’s a very difficult tournament to win,” Carlsen noted, praising his ability to reset after setbacks.

FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 Open Section Podium

The open standings told the story of his edge:

1st: Magnus Carlsen (10.5/13)

2nd: Vladislav Artemiev (9.5/13)

3rd: Arjun Erigaisi (9.5/13, best tiebreak)

Artemiev took silver with steady draws, while India’s Arjun Erigaisi snatched bronze after a comeback win. Hans Niemann and Leinier Dominguez rounded out the 9.5-point pack. Carlsen’s positional squeezes shone, like outplaying Sarana with knights versus bishops.

Aleksandra Goryachkina Wins the Women’s Category

Over in the women’s section, it was a heart-pounding three-way tie at 8.5/11 between Aleksandra Goryachkina, Zhu Jiner, and Koneru Humpy. All drew their final games, shocking misses that sent it to tiebreaks. Reigning champ Humpy missed out on Buchholz scores, leaving Goryachkina to beat Zhu in blitzers for €40,000 and the title. “It’s very cool!” Goryachkina said after her undefeated run, highlighted by a tactical win over Bat-Erdene Mungunzul.

FIDE Rapid Chess 2025 Women’s Section Podium

Top women’s finish:

1st: Aleksandra Goryachkina (8.5/11, tiebreak win)

2nd: Zhu Jiner (8.5/11)

3rd: Koneru Humpy (8.5/11)

Zhu’s tragic final-round slip against Tan Zhongyi and Goryachkina’s endgame save set the stage for the thriller. Shri B Savitha and R Vaishali followed at eight points.

Carlsen eyes a double with blitz starting December 29, where he last swept both in 2014, 2022, and 2023. Goryachkina joins the chase too. With over €1 million in prizes and non-stop tension, these championships remind us why rapid chess grips the world. Stay tuned, the blitz promises more fireworks.

Also read: Grant Thornton Invitational 2025: Lauren Coughlin And Andrew Novak Win Title