Five-time world champion shocks fans with ultra-low heart rate as he cruises into semi-finals. Magnus Carlsen displayed incredible composure during the round-robin stage of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Paris. The Norwegian chess star recorded a heart rate of just 42 beats per minute (BPM) during one of his matches. In contrast, Germany’s Vincent Keymer showed signs of high stress. His heart rate jumped to 108 BPM in the same game.
Heart Rate Monitors Track Player Focus
Organisers equipped all players with heart-rate sensors to track their stress and concentration levels. Carlsen’s unusually low reading amazed fans and triggered widespread admiration online. Many praised his ability to stay calm during intense games.
Carlsen Responds to Viral Moment
Carlsen reacted modestly when asked about the viral heart rate data. He said, “That’s nonsense. I think it was broken. But I feel calmer now.” Despite the buzz, Carlsen stayed focused. He topped the round-robin stage with Ian Nepomniachtchi after playing 11 tough matches in just 48 hours.
Carlsen Moves to Semi-Finals
Carlsen reached the semi-finals after defeating Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov 1.5-0.5 in the quarter-finals. He flew past his opponent with confidence and strong play.
Other Semi-Finalists Confirmed
Fabiano Caruana became the first to book a semi-final spot. He beat French player Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 1.5-0.5. Hikaru Nakamura also made it through. He drew his first game with black pieces, then beat India’s Arjun Erigaisi with white to win the match 1.5-0.5. Vincent Keymer claimed the last spot in the semis. He edged out Ian Nepomniachtchi in a tiebreak after their classical games ended in draws.
Semi-Finals Set for Friday and Saturday
Carlsen will now face Caruana in one semi-final. Nakamura will take on Keymer in the other. Both matches will take place over the weekend. India’s world champion Gukesh lost his 9th–12th place playoff to Richard Rapport and finished 11th. On the other hand, Praggnanandhaa beat Vidit Gujrathi to secure 9th place.
