D. Gukesh, the current World Chess Champion, is notably absent from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tournament in Las Vegas. While his contemporaries R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi are representing India in this innovative chess variant, Gukesh has chosen to withdraw.

There are a couple of key reasons behind Gukesh's decision to skip the Las Vegas event. Firstly, Gukesh is prioritizing preparation for upcoming tournaments in St. Louis in August, including the prestigious Sinquefield Cup, which is part of the Grand Chess Tour. He is currently ranked fifth in the Grand Chess Tour and is focusing on performing well in the main event.

Secondly, Freestyle Grand Tour CEO Jan Henric Buettner cited Gukesh's packed schedule in the first half of 2025 and his need for mental recuperation as contributing factors to his withdrawal. According to Buettner, Gukesh expressed exhaustion and a need for rest after participating in the Weissenhaus and Paris Grand Slams, followed by the high-stakes Norway Chess 2025 event. Although Gukesh finished on the podium in Norway, the demanding schedule took a toll. He felt he couldn't push himself for another top-tier event immediately.

Gukesh's absence is a disappointment for fans who were hoping to see another showdown between him and Magnus Carlsen, especially after their intense battles in previous tournaments. Carlsen is participating in the Las Vegas tournament and is considered a favorite.

In Gukesh's absence, R. Praggnanandhaa is leading India's charge in Las Vegas. He is in the same group as Magnus Carlsen. Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi are in the other group. The tournament features a total prize pool of $750,000, with $200,000 reserved for the winner. The top four players from each group will advance to the next stage.

The Freestyle Chess tournament in Las Vegas features a strong lineup of players, including Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Hans Niemann. This edition also marks the first time a woman player, Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan, is competing against the world elite in a Freestyle Chess Grand Slam.

Freestyle chess, also known as Fischer Random Chess or Chess960, involves a random arrangement of the pieces at the start of the game. This format reduces the impact of opening theory and encourages more creative and fighting games.

While Gukesh's absence is notable, the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas promises to be an exciting event with top players battling for the title. Fans are eagerly awaiting Gukesh's return to the board after a period of rest and preparation.