• Magnus Carlsen wins the inaugural Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam.
• He defeated Hikaru Nakamura 1.5-0.5 in the final without a tiebreak.
• Carlsen reflects on the joy of playing chess in this innovative format.
• He earns a $200,000 prize and leads the Grand Slam standings.
• The tournament format blends classical, rapid, and Chess960 elements.

World number one Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious at the inaugural Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, solidifying his status as a dominant force in chess. He defeated Hikaru Nakamura with a score of 1.5-0.5, securing his win with a solid performance that included a decisive first game and a draw in the second, avoiding the need for a tiebreak, according to Indiatimes.

This innovative format, which combines elements of classical, rapid, and Chess960 chess, has gained popularity among players and fans due to its unpredictability. Carlsen stated, “There’s more of a childish joy of just playing chess rather than being worried about openings,” emphasizing the refreshing experience of the Freestyle Chess format, as reported by Channel News Asia.

With his triumph in Paris, Carlsen not only claimed the $200,000 first prize but also moved to the top of the Grand Slam standings. His skillful navigations in the tournament further reaffirm his legacy as a versatile player capable of excelling in various formats, highlighting his adaptability in the evolving chess landscape according to Reuters.

The Freestyle Grand Slam series will continue in Las Vegas this July, where Carlsen is expected to compete once more, further showcasing his prowess in diverse chess formats. Carlsen has remained firm in his decision to not return to the standard chess world championship cycle, perhaps focusing on new avenues in the sport according to Reuters.