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CompletedExhibition MatchHistoric Event

G.O.A.T. Challenge 2024

Inaugural Freestyle Chess exhibition match between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. This landmark event marked the beginning of the elite Chess960 movement and demonstrated the excitement of randomized starting positions.

Date
February 1, 2024
Location
Berlin, Germany
Prize Pool
$100,000
Format
Chess960
Match Winner
Magnus Carlsen
Defeated Hikaru Nakamura 2.5-1.5 • $60,000 prize • Inaugural champion

Match Results

Head-to-head showdown between the world's two highest-rated players

2.5
$60,000
Champion
1.5
$40,000
Runner-up

Historic Significance

Why the G.O.A.T. Challenge marked a turning point in elite chess

Birth of Elite Chess960

This exhibition match between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura demonstrated that Chess960 could attract the world's best players and create exciting, unpredictable games at the highest level.

First Elite Match

Foundation for FCPC

The success of this event laid the groundwork for the Freestyle Chess Players Club and the subsequent Grand Slam Tour, revolutionizing professional chess competition.

Movement Catalyst

Match Format

Details of the inaugural G.O.A.T. Challenge

Time Control

Rapid Chess

25 minutes + 10 second increment per move

Format

4-Game Match

Best of 4 games with different starting positions

Venue

Admiralspalast

Historic theater in Berlin with live audience

Follow Freestyle Chess

Experience the evolution of chess that began with the G.O.A.T. Challenge. Follow the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour and witness elite competition redefined.