Carlsen OUT, Kramnik & MVL IN Grand Chess Tour

The Grand Chess Tour announced today that the world’s top-ten ranked players will compete in the 2016 Tour. Nine of the top-ten will compete in all four tournaments: Rapid and Blitz in Paris and Brussels-Leuven, the Sinquefield Cup and the London Chess Classic. World Champion Magnus Carlsen will compete in as a wildcard in both the Paris and Brussels-Leuven stops.

“It’s great news that the Grand Chess Tour have expanded with two new tournaments in Paris and Brussels,” said Carlsen. “I’m looking forward to playing both. Unfortunately, due to a very busy schedule, I won’t be able to play in Saint Louis or London this year. Hopefully I will get a new chance to fight for the GCT title again next year.”

In addition to the nine players, each tournament will have a wildcard entry. The wildcard for Saint Louis will be Ding Liren and another wildcard in Paris will be Laurent Fressinet. The London wildcard will be determined at a later date. The Grand Chess Tour will feature the world’s top players competing for over one million dollars in a mixture of traditional, rapid and blitz events in four countries.

Latest news on the Grand Chess Tour 2016

Feb 18, 2016 – Sinquefield Cup rescheduled due to the Olympiad
Jan 6, 2016 – Grand Chess Tour to remain with 3 main events
Jan 6, 2016 – Altibox Norway Chess leaves the Grand Chess Tour
Sept 9, 2015 – Grand Chess Tour 2016 initial announcement

Players participating in all four tournaments are shown below.