The Las Vegas Chess Grand Slam has been an absolute rollercoaster ride, and, believe me, the list of quarterfinalists is packed with drama, upsets, and some seriously jaw-dropping performances.

Las Vegas Chess Grand Slam: A Tournament Full of Surprises

The world’s top grandmasters flew in with their reputation on stake. Even the “untouchable” names weren’t safe. Just ask Magnus Carlsen.

The Group Stage: When the Giants Stumbled

Let’s be honest, everyone expected Carlsen to go far. But this time, the scriptwriters had other plans. India’s very own R Praggnanandhaa, Pragg for fans, dropped a bombshell, beating Carlsen in just 39 moves with a clinical display. That victory wasn’t just flashy; it sealed Pragg’s spot in the quarters and left the chess world stunned. If you think beating Carlsen is easy, think again. But that wasn’t all. The intense tie-breaker saw Levon Aronian also send Carlsen packing, ending the Norwegian’s title run for this leg.

Who Reached The Las Vegas Chess Grand Slam Quarterfinals

Now, let’s get to the real star cast of the quarterfinals. Here’s the lineup that fought, clawed, and checkmated their way through the group stage:

So, Who Could Win?

If there’s one name grabbing all the headlines, it’s R Praggnanandhaa. His group stage run was the stuff of dreams: a smooth draw here, a demolition there, and then toppling the chess giant himself. That last punch, in a tricky 10+10 timed shootout, showed nerves of steel and a mind that doesn’t flinch. For fans, every Pragg move right now is a must-watch.

However, over in the Black Group, Hikaru Nakamura had absolutely no chill. Six wins out of seven? That’s scary even by his standards! When he gets on a roll, you know fireworks are coming. And with this form, every quarterfinal opponent must be sweating.

And remember the legend who stopped Carlsen in the tie-breaks? Levon Aronian’s patience and experience shone through—proof that if you want it hard enough, you can still outsmart the greatest!

What’s Next?

So, who’s your pick for the trophy? Whatever you guessed at the start of this tournament, well, this Las Vegas Chess Grand Slam just shredded every script. The quarterfinals promise drama, comebacks, and, best of all, totally unpredictable results. Sit back, grab your popcorn, and keep your eyes peeled, chess in 2025 is delivering the wildest ride yet.

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