We get the early ads on this Las Vegas thingy right now. I am aware of the fact, that this is somehow off-topic per se here, but there aren't that many chess communities who are that able to take a somewhat analytical approach to happenings.
People tend to just grossly under-estimate the power of great +stories+. What was the freestyle story? Classical chess has no point anymore because of opening theory. But if we randomize opening positions, chess is fresh and difficult again. As no ordinary earthling is actually in a position to judge whether this is true, and given that they initially put up a great show for people, this story got some attention.
If you want to see Magnus playing classical chess again, he will only play the real thing from now on, freestyle chess. That's some kind of story. As the truth about this happens to be unknown, this has a potential to work.
They gave up on this narrative all together. I predict, they will get what makes sense: people won't care about the imminent freestyle tournament results - at all.
Peter
Freestyle Chess is dead again
Moderator: Ras