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.

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.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen shared a text that FIDE chief Dvorkovich had sent to his father, Henrik, before demanding the Russian's resignation.

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

Disagreement over right to regulate any 'World Championship' and waiver for players to appear in unsanctioned league

Further talks with Fide futile, says Freestyle Chess promoter Jan Buettner; Fide says Freestyle Chess refused to acknowledge its status as sole regulator of the World Championships

Arkady Dvorkovich is under fire after talks over an agreement about the new series fell through. Read more at straitstimes.com.

“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.

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.