The 2018 YNM Leuven Rapid & Blitz tournament will be the first stop on the 2018 Grand Chess Tour. 2017 saw World Champion Magnus Carlsen ease to a comfortable victory but there will definitely be a new champion this year as Magnus is not returning to defend his title. New faces include Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Alexander Grischuk and Shakriyar Mamedyarov none of whom participated in the 2017 edition. They will be joined by GM Anish who will once again participate in Leuven as a Wildcard for the event. Live Commentary provided by GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Alejandro Ramirez, and IM Jovanka Houska. On the Ground Coverage in Leuven will by GM Maurice Ashley and GM Nigel Short.