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