This isn't just another chess tournament though, with a public spat between Carlsen and the promoters of the FCGT with FIDE in the build-up to the tournament.

World No.1 Magnus Carlsen spoke about playing against world champion D Gukesh and his preparation ahead of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour that starts in Germany with the first leg form 7-14 February.

The five-tournament series will unfold through the year, with Paris, New York, New Delhi and Cape Town being the other four host cities. It will end with the final competition from December 5 to 12

“The organizers of the “Freestyle Chess Tour” fully deleted from its Regulations the reference to the “World Championship” title. Following this change in the regulations, players wishing to participate in the 2025 “Freestyle Chess Tour” are no longer required to sign the waiver note,” said the updated FIDE statement.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) reiterated that no agreement between the sport’s global body and the Freestyle Chess Tour had been reached regarding the use of the ‘World Championship’ term.

Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tour boss Jan Henric Buettner and all-time great Magnus Carlsen have called on International Chess Federation (FIDE) president Arkady Dvorkovich to resign after talks over an agreement about the new series fell through.

Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has called for FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to resign due to coercive tactics and unfulfilled promises. The disagreement stems from the collapsed talks between FIDE and the Freestyle Tour,

Fide has been unequivocal about not wanting to part with its sole authority over the ‘World Championship’ title

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) issued a comprehensive statement on Monday following the news that no agreement had been reached between FIDE and Freestyle Chess over the use of the “World Championship.