Grootbos to host the first Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Final in December 2025

This December, the idyllic Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on South Africa's stunning Western Cape coast will transform into an arena for an event that promises to redefine chess as we know it. From the 8th to the 11th of December, the reserve will host the inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Final, an innovative twist on the classic game that is set to captivate audiences worldwide.

Grootbos, widely celebrated as one of South Africa’s premier luxury eco-destinations, will bring together 25 of the globe's elite chess players, including renowned grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana. While the matches will be closed to the public, chess enthusiasts can tune in to watch the exhilarating face-offs live, ensuring that the event puts South Africa in the international limelight.

Inspired by the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, the Grand Slam's unique format employs Chess960 — a variant that randomises the starting positions of the pieces, challenging players with fresh and creative gameplay strategies. This heyday of intellectual sport is set to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the players' ingenuity and skills in extraordinary circumstances.

As grandmasters engage in high-stakes battles, they will also enjoy the unspoiled beauty and luxury that Grootbos provides. Nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the reserve features lodges — Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge — as well as two exclusive-use villas. 

Hosting the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals not only enhances Grootbos’s reputation as a sanctuary for lavish and unique experiences, but also underscores South Africa's capability to host prestigious global events. As guests indulge in the resort’s serene offerings, they will also be privy to the country’s rich biodiversity and remarkable design-led accommodations without compromising the tranquillity for which the reserve is known.

While this extraordinary tournament draws attention from chess aficionados around the world, it also reminds us of the idyllic luxury that Grootbos offers. For those eager to catch the action, early ticket purchases for online viewing are available at https://www.freestyle-chess.com/tickets/.