Final Round Drama at the Grand Swiss 2025: Giri Triumphs, Vaishali Makes History
The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 ended with unforgettable drama in Samarkand.
In the Open section, Anish Giri took first place with 8 points out of 11. He defeated Hans Niemann in the final round to secure an outright win. This victory also qualified him for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Along with the qualification, Giri won a prize of $90,000.
The fight for second place was intense. Matthias Bluebaum, Alireza Firouzja, and Vincent Keymer all finished with 7.5 points. Thanks to better tiebreaks, Bluebaum secured the second Candidates spot. Firouzja came third, while Keymer had to settle for fourth despite leading before the last round.
In the Women’s section, history was made. Vaishali Rameshbabu tied for first place with Kateryna Lagno, both finishing on 8/11. Vaishali edged ahead on tiebreaks, claiming the title. Both players qualified for the 2026 Candidates. This was Vaishali’s second consecutive Grand Swiss victory – a record never achieved before in either section.
Bibisara Assaubayeva came very close to joining them but spoiled a winning position against Anna Muzychuk. She finished with 7.5/11, tied with Tan Zhongyi and Song Yuxin.
Final Day Atmosphere in Samarkand
The EXPO Centre was filled with tension during the last round. Players were deeply focused, skipping the usual photos with fans. Games started an hour earlier than usual to allow time for the closing ceremony later that evening.
In the Open, five players – Giri, Niemann, Bluebaum, Firouzja, and Keymer – entered the last day in contention for the two Candidates spots. In the Women’s event, Vaishali, Lagno, Assaubayeva, Tan, and Song all had chances to fight for qualification.
How Giri Secured Victory
Facing Niemann with White, Giri played the English Opening. He gained the bishop pair and gradually took control.
On move 32, Niemann made a mistake with …bxc5, which allowed Giri to break through. After precise play, Giri converted the advantage into victory.
Meanwhile, Bluebaum held Firouzja to a draw in a Dutch Defence battle. Keymer, who had chances to win against Arjun Erigaisi, missed a brilliant move (…Be6!!) that could have sealed his qualification.
Instead, the game ended in a draw, leaving Keymer heartbroken.
Vaishali’s Road to Glory
Kateryna Lagno quickly drew her final game, securing safety. Vaishali, however, had to work harder against former World Champion Tan Zhongyi. She sacrificed a pawn with precise calculation to equalize the position and eventually drew after 43 moves. This result sealed her back-to-back Grand Swiss victories – a historic achievement.
Closing Ceremony
The event ended with a grand ceremony at the Silk Road by Minyoun Hotel. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised the tournament as one of the most dramatic Grand Swiss editions ever. He congratulated Giri, Bluebaum, Vaishali, and Lagno on qualifying for the Candidates.
Dvorkovich also highlighted Samarkand’s importance in chess history and its role in the future of the game, especially with the 2026 Chess Olympiad scheduled to be held there.
About the Event
The FIDE Grand Swiss is part of the World Chess Championship cycle. The top two finishers from both the Open and Women’s events qualify for the Candidates Tournament – the final step to challenge for the World Championship.
The 2025 edition was held from September 4–15 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Open had 116 players, while the Women’s event had 56. The total prize fund was $855,000.
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
