World Chess Weekly: Magnus Rules Again As World Cup Starts (Without Him)

Another week, another elite-level tournament victory for GM Magnus Carlsen.

On Wednesday, the world number-one asserted his dominance yet again by clinching the 2025 Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown in Saint Louis with two games to spare, netting him the first prize of $120,000.

That was the first time Carlsen had competed at the Saint Louis Chess Club since the infamous Sinquefield Cup incident in 2022 involving GM Hans Niemann. The less said about that the better, Saint Louis thinks, but we noted it here.

Carlsen's list of wins in 2025 just gets longer and longer.

So far, he's won:

• Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown in Saint Louis
• Esports World Cup in Riyadh
• SuperUnited Croatia Rapid and Blitz in Zagreb
• Norway Chess in Oslo
• The Grenke Freestyle Chess Open in Karlsruhe
• The Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Paris.

That's not including a list of lucrative online events.

Needless to say, only one of the IRL events he won was a classical tournament, which brings us neatly onto the (classical) FIDE World Cup which starts on Saturday in Goa, India.

Carlsen Snubs World Cup

Carlsen won't be there—he is again opting to swerve a classical tournament organized by FIDE. Instead, Carlsen is turning out to play classical for his club Offerspill in a Norwegian league tournament in Oslo.

Imagine that: choosing to play in an amateur league against lower-rated players instead of the prestigious World Cup. Does that seem intentional?

Carlsen's snub won't detract attention from the World Cup, however, which is always great to watch. We previewed it here—and FIDE is providing an official stream. Details in the X post below:

On Friday, the hosts' slightly cringe (these events always are) opening ceremony was held which included lots of dancing, beat-boxing and the unveiling of the new Viswanathan Anand trophy, in honor of India's chess hero.

Naroditsky's Funeral

Sadness and anger over GM Daniel Naroditsky's death continued to be expressed in every sphere of chess around the world. The heartfelt tributes haven't stopped, and nor has the media interest in the story.

On Sunday, Naroditsky's funeral was held in Charlotte.

It has emerged the 29-year-old was discovered unresponsive at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, by two of his best friends.

GM Oleksandr Bortnyk and Charlotte Chess Center founder Peter Giannatos found him slumped on the couch and immediately called 911.

The Daily Mail, which has taken a real interest in the story, published an audio recording of the call made from Naroditsky's home in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. Giannatos is heard sobbing "Medic, medic, medic!" down the phone.

At the funeral, Giannatos delivered a moving eulogy to Naroditsky.

Meanwhile, the lurid headlines have continued to appear in major publications around the world with the finger of blame, rightly or wrongly, still being pointed at a defiant GM Vladimir Kramnik.

The former world champion has strongly denied claims that he bullied Naroditsky online and made several media appearances giving his side of the story.

A large and very vocal portion of the chess community continue to think otherwise and a petition has been launched to have his titles revoked. It has attracted tens of thousands of signatures.

FIDE is also preparing an ethics case against the 50-year-old retired grandmaster, which Kramnik has said he will fight.

Kramnik's conduct is, in short, a very divisive issue and it looks like it will continue to rumble on for a long time to come.

Headlines From The Week:

• Magnus Carlsen Back At Saint Louis For First Time Since THAT Hans Niemann Cheating Scandal
• Ready, Set...Goa! Why The FIDE World Cup In India Will Be Spectacular
• Two Classics Of The Chess Calendar Unveil Line-Ups—And Hans Niemann Finally Gets An Invite