In a surprising turn of events, World Chess Champion D Gukesh has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Las Vegas leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. Citing exhaustion following his participation in Norway Chess, Gukesh has decided to take a break, leaving his spot to be filled by fellow Indian chess player Vidit Gujrathi. Gujrathi will step into the tournament, symbolically wearing Gukesh’s signature red jacket. The high-stakes event, boasting a prize pool of $750,000, is scheduled to take place from July 16 to July 20 at the prestigious Wynn Las Vegas.

The absence of Gukesh is not the only notable change in the chess circuit. Magnus Carlsen, another prominent figure in the chess world, will also not be participating in this leg of the tournament. The reasons for Carlsen’s absence remain undisclosed, adding an element of intrigue to the event.

Additionally, the India leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, initially planned for September, has been cancelled. This cancellation marks a significant shift in the tournament’s schedule and raises questions about future events in the series. Furthermore, Jan Henric Buettner, who has been serving as CEO of the organizing body, is set to resign from his position on July 1. Buettner’s departure could signal potential changes in leadership and strategy for upcoming chess events.

These developments highlight a period of transition and uncertainty within the competitive chess community. As players and organizers adapt to these changes, fans and participants alike are left speculating about the future dynamics of international chess tournaments.