EP 166 | 2025 Grand Swiss

The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss thrilled fans with Anish Giri’s win, Matthias Blubaum’s surprise Candidates spot, and dramatic clashes between rising juniors and veterans, sparking debate on how to create more high-stakes events like it.

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00:06 – First impressions of the Grand Swiss

01:34 – Why this tournament felt special

03:02 – Calls for more events tied to the World Championship

06:12 – Stakes and qualification systems in chess

09:26 – How FIDE co-opted the Isle of Man tournament

14:06 – Tournament winners: Giri and Bluebaum

20:00 – Evaluating Bluebaum’s chances in the Candidates

28:34 – Giri’s ambitions and old-school endgame play

33:45 – The gap between 2600s and 2700s

42:26 – Who might miss the Candidates and future prospects