FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship Final Set: Carlsen vs Caruana
The stage is set for a thrilling final. Magnus Carlsen will face Fabiano Caruana in the final of the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship.
Both legends won their semifinal matches on Saturday. Now, the world number one, Carlsen, has a chance to win his 21st world title.
Carlsen Defeats Abdusattorov
Carlsen defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov with a strong 3–1 score.
The Norwegian star took control in the critical moments. He showed his experience and finished the match confidently in four games.
Caruana Overcomes Keymer
Caruana beat Vincent Keymer 2½–1½. He gained an early lead and defended calmly under pressure. Keymer had chances, but Caruana’s experience made the difference.
Both young semifinalists fought hard. But when it mattered most, experience won.
What’s at Stake?
This final will crown the first FIDE-recognized Freestyle Chess World Champion under the official framework.
By reaching the final, both Carlsen and Caruana have already qualified for the 2027 edition of the championship. The final qualification spot will go to the winner of the third-place match between Abdusattorov and Keymer.
Lower Bracket Results
In the placement matches:
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Hans Niemann defeated Levon Aronian 2½–1½.
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Arjun Erigaisi beat Javokhir Sindarov 3–1.
Now:
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Niemann and Erigaisi will battle for fifth place.
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Aronian and Sindarov will compete for seventh place.
Women’s Exhibition Match
The women’s exhibition match is also exciting. Bibisara Assaubayeva and Alexandra Kosteniuk are tied 1–1 after two games. Their best-of-four match will conclude on Sunday along with the main final.
The championship promises a dramatic finish. All eyes are now on Carlsen vs Caruana — a clash between two of the greatest players of this generation.
Photos: Lennart Ootes, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
