Exciting Advances in the 2026 Bullet Chess Championship: Firouzja and Erigaisi Reach Winners Final!
GMs Firouzja and Erigaisi Advance to Winners Final of 2026 Bullet Chess Championship
June 25, 2026 – In a thrilling day of chess, Grandmasters Alireza Firouzja and Arjun Erigaisi have secured their spots in the Winners Final of the 2026 Bullet Chess Championship, showcasing their exceptional skills in high-pressure matches.
Firouzja, the French chess prodigy, faced off against GM Nihal Sarin in a nail-biting semifinal that ended with a score of 12.5-9.5. The match was a rollercoaster, with Firouzja initially taking the lead before Sarin mounted a fierce comeback. However, Firouzja’s resilience shone through as he regained control in the final moments, winning four out of the last five games.
In contrast, Arjun Erigaisi’s path to the final was marked by a stunning turnaround against GM Andrew Tang. After losing the first four games, Arjun rallied spectacularly, ultimately dominating the match with a final score of 16-6. His ability to recover from a shaky start demonstrates his tenacity and skill, making him a formidable opponent for Firouzja in the upcoming final.
As the tournament progresses, only six players remain in the Losers Bracket, including GMs Tuan Minh Le, Oleksandr Bortnyk, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, and Ediz Gurel, along with the recently eliminated Sarin and Tang. The competition is heating up as these players vie for a chance to reclaim their positions.
Upcoming Matches and Format
Day three of the championship promises to be action-packed, featuring the Losers Round 3, Losers Quarterfinals, and the highly anticipated Winners Final. Matches will commence at 12:00 p.m. ET / 18:00 CEST / 9:30 p.m. IST, with the Winners Semifinals, Winners Final, and Grand Final extending to a 45-minute match clock, allowing for more strategic play.
In the Losers Bracket, several notable players were eliminated, including GM Haowen Xue and IM Yoseph Theolifus Taher. The standout performance came from 15-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, who steamrolled his opponent Matthias Bluebaum with a staggering 16.5-3.5 victory.
A Day of Upsets and Comebacks
The day was filled with dramatic moments, including a rare mouse slip from Tang that allowed Arjun to regain momentum. This incident marked a turning point, as Arjun capitalized on Tang’s mistakes, showcasing his ability to adapt and seize opportunities.
As the tournament continues, the chess community eagerly anticipates the clash between Firouzja and Erigaisi. Will Firouzja defend his title, or will Erigaisi claim victory in this high-stakes showdown? The excitement is palpable as the world’s best bullet chess players compete for the prestigious title and a share of the $50,000 prize fund.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 Bullet Chess Championship unfolds on Chess.com, where the fastest chess players in the world battle for supremacy.