In a breathtaking display of endurance and strategic mastery, Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri has been crowned the champion of the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss tournament in Uzbekistan. The victory, sealed with a trademark solid draw against Russia's Andrey Esipenko, earned Giri a staggering $90,000 top prize and a coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
The final round unfolded as a nerve-shredding, seven-hour marathon, a true test of mental fortitude. Needing only a draw with the black pieces to secure overall victory, Giri faced immense pressure from the talented Esipenko, who was fighting for his own chance at the title.
The Gruelling Path to Victory
Giri's triumph was far from straightforward. His campaign on the 'Silk Road' was a masterclass in consistency and grinding technique:
- Unbeaten Record: He navigated the entire 11-round tournament without a single loss.
- The Draw Specialist: True to his nickname, eight of his games ended in draws, showcasing his impenetrable defence.
- Critical Wins: His three victories, including a crucial win over Indian prodigy D Gukesh, provided the necessary points to stay atop the leaderboard.
The tournament's format, where a draw in the final round is often enough for the leader, perfectly suited Giri's pragmatic and highly solid style of play.
More Than Just a Prize
Beyond the significant financial reward, the victory carries immense weight for Giri's career. The win grants him automatic qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament—the event that decides the challenger for the World Chess Championship. This places him back in the very highest echelon of world chess after a period of near-misses.
The tournament, held in the historic city of Samarkand, also served as a qualifying event for the 2026 Women's World Championship, with Chinese player Zhu Jiner emerging victorious in the women's section.
Giri's victory is a testament to the fact that in modern elite chess, relentless consistency and avoiding defeat can be just as valuable as flamboyant attacking play. The 'Draw King' has proven that his methodical approach is a potent formula for ultimate success.
