Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape is set to welcome some of the world’s most elite chess grandmasters for the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals, taking place 8–11 December 2025.
This prestigious event, shaped around the global success model of Formula 1, brings the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour to Africa’s southern coast for the first time, transforming Grootbos into a stage where luxury, nature, and high-performance mind sport converge.
The Grand Slam Tour is a world-spanning series featuring 25 of the highest-rated players on the planet, competing in spectacular, ultra-exclusive destinations. This year’s Finals promise to be one of the most remarkable yet, set against Grootbos’ ancient fynbos landscapes, dramatic ocean views, and world-class hospitality.
A Legendary Line-Up
The 2025 Finals will bring together an exceptional roster of grandmasters, including:
- - Magnus Carlsen
- - Hikaru Nakamura
- - Fabiano Caruana
- - Alireza Firouzja
- - Ian Nepomniachtchi
These icons of modern chess will be based at Grootbos’ two signature luxury lodges: the Garden Lodge and the Forest Lodge, each offering panoramic views, contemporary African design, and immersive wilderness experiences.
Where Wilderness Meets World-Class Competition
With its blend of refined luxury, ecological conservation, and exclusive privacy, Grootbos is perfectly positioned to elevate the Grand Slam Finals into an unforgettable global spectacle. Guests and players will enjoy sustainably curated fine dining, marine safaris, and the serene natural energy that defines the reserve.
The tournament also reinforces South Africa’s rising profile as a premier host for ultra-luxury international events, bringing global attention to the Western Cape’s unrivalled landscapes and hospitality excellence.