GM Daniel Naroditsky Wins First Bullet Brawl of 2025 After Stellar Performances at FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, GM Daniel Naroditsky emerged victorious at the first Bullet Brawl of 2025, showcasing his dominance in the world of rapid chess. With a stellar performance at the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships under his belt, Naroditsky secured the top spot with a score of 246, claiming the $400 first prize and narrowing the gap between himself and GM Hikaru Nakamura to just nine wins on the all-time leaderboard.
IM Karina Ambartsumova also shone brightly, clinching the $100 best women’s prize with a score of 89 points. Meanwhile, the community event saw Sundram “SpeedyBoss” Kumar emerge as the victor, showcasing his skills in a competitive field.
The event saw a record-breaking 253 titled players participate, including renowned GMs like Nakamura, Andrew Tang, Oleksandr Bortnyk, and Raunak Sadhwani, making it one of the toughest competitions in the event’s history.
Naroditsky’s impressive start with a 9.5/11 score set the tone for his eventual triumph, with key victories over notable opponents propelling him to the forefront of the tournament. Despite facing stiff competition, Naroditsky’s unwavering focus and strategic gameplay allowed him to maintain his lead and secure the win.
The intense competition saw Naroditsky’s streak of wins come to an end at the hands of Tang, but the resilient grandmaster bounced back with a remarkable 12 consecutive wins to seal his victory. His dominant performance earned him 68 wins, one draw, and only 12 losses by the end of the tournament.
Naroditsky’s win not only solidified his position at the top but also propelled him and Tang up the Chess.com bullet leaderboards, showcasing their exceptional skills and strategic prowess. The duo’s impressive performance saw them climb a combined 28 spots, with Naroditsky surpassing even the legendary Magnus Carlsen in the rankings.
With an exciting and competitive atmosphere, Bullet Brawl continues to be a platform for top chess talents to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world. The weekly event, featuring a $1,000 prize fund and a 1+0 time control, attracts top GMs and promises thrilling battles on the chessboard.