GM Hikaru Nakamura Claims 26th Bullet Brawl Title and $400 Prize

GM Hikaru Nakamura emerged victorious once again in the latest edition of the Bullet Brawl, claiming his 26th title and the $400 first prize. Nakamura scored an impressive 268 points to stave off a challenge from GM Daniel Naroditsky, who finished in second place with 253 points. Rounding out the podium was GM Andrew Tang, who took home the $150 third prize, while GM Oleksandr Bortnyk secured fourth place and $100.

The competition was fierce, with the best women’s prize hotly contested. WGM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya showcased her skills and finished in 14th place overall, claiming the $100 prize. Twitch streamer “GeneralZod” also had a strong showing, notching 67 wins, two draws, and six losses to win the community event.

The U.S. had a stellar day at the Paris Olympics, and their success extended to the Bullet Brawl as well. Nakamura and Naroditsky, two of the country’s top bullet chess players, dominated the event and added to their impressive legacy. Of the 64 editions of Bullet Brawl, Nakamura and Naroditsky have now won a combined 47 titles.

Nakamura’s form was evident throughout the event, but it was his commanding performance against Naroditsky that ultimately secured his victory. The two players have been making waves in the chess world, with Naroditsky recently achieving a 2700 rating following strong showings in blitz tournaments.

Prodigious juniors GM-elect Andy Woodward and IM-elect Faustino Oro also made their mark in the event, showcasing their talent and potential. The U.S. continues to excel in chess, and if bullet chess were an Olympic sport, they would undoubtedly be a dominant force.

The next Bullet Brawl is set to take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at noon ET/18:00 CEST. With top GMs and exciting competition, the event promises to be another thrilling showcase of bullet chess talent.