Fabiano Caruana Wins 2025 Grand Chess Tour Finals and Overall GCT Title
Fabiano Caruana has won the 2025 Grand Chess Tour Finals. He defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in a thrilling final with a score of 15–13. Caruana claimed the $150,000 first prize.
The Finals took place from September 26 to October 3 at the WTC Events Center in São Paulo, Brazil. This was the first time in history that the event was held in Latin America. The tournament had a $350,000 prize fund.
The 2025 edition used a single-elimination knockout format. It featured mixed time controls: two classical games, two rapid games, and four blitz games. Points were awarded as follows:
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Classical: 6 points for a win, 3 for a draw, 0 for a loss
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Rapid: 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 0 for a loss
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Blitz: 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
Both semifinals were decided in faster time controls after all classical games ended in draws. In one semifinal, Caruana beat Levon Aronian in the third blitz game to reach the final. In the other, Vachier-Lagrave defeated Praggnanandhaa after winning the third blitz game.
The final was an exciting battle in the rapid and blitz games. MVL won the first rapid game and drew the second. As a blitz specialist, he entered the blitz portion with confidence. However, Caruana won three straight blitz games and secured the title with a draw in the fourth.
In the third-place match, Levon Aronian defeated Praggnanandhaa with a score of 20–8.
2025 GCT Finals Results:
| Position | Name | Country | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Fabiano Caruana | USA | $150,000 |
| 2 | GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave | FRA | $100,000 |
| 3 | GM Levon Aronian | USA | $60,000 |
| 4 | GM Praggnanandhaa R. | IND | $40,000 |
Caruana said, “The final game had its own share of drama, but I hope the fans enjoyed watching the action. It’s an honor to win the 2025 GCT. The event is prestigious and very challenging. I’m thrilled to win this year’s Finals.”
Rex Sinquefield, co-founder of the Saint Louis Chess Club, congratulated Caruana and said, “We are proud to host two exciting legs of the Tour. We look forward to welcoming the chess world back next year in our newly expanded club.”
Augusta Dragic, President of the Superbet Foundation, added,
“Congratulations to Fabiano Caruana and all players for their performances. Bringing the Tour to São Paulo is a unique opportunity to boost chess in the region. We hope it inspires players of all ages to dream big and achieve greatness.”
Official website: grandchesstour.org
Photos: Lennart Ootes and Eric Rosen
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
