Oleksandr Bortnyk Dominates Bullet Brawl, Claims 11th Career Title
GM Oleksandr Bortnyk emerged victorious once again in the latest edition of Bullet Brawl, adding an 11th career title to his impressive collection. The Ukrainian GM outshined a field of 205 players, including top contenders like GMs Daniel Naroditsky, Jose Martinez, and Ediz Gurel, to claim the $400 first prize.
Bortnyk’s dominance was evident from the start, as he embarked on a remarkable 37-game unbeaten streak to set the tone for the event. With 87 wins, seven draws, and six losses, Bortnyk finished with a commanding score of 245, securing his well-deserved victory. FM Anastasia Avramidou and Sundram Kumar also shone in their respective categories, winning the best women’s prize and the community event prize.
The next edition of Bullet Brawl is set to kick off on Saturday, April 19, at noon ET/17:00 CEST, promising another thrilling showdown among the top bullet specialists on Chess.com.
Bortnyk’s recent success adds to his already impressive track record, with multiple wins in Titled Tuesday and seven previous Bullet Brawl titles under his belt. The 28-year-old’s stellar performance in 2025 has solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the world of online chess, with some even dubbing him as Magnus Carlsen’s “kryptonite.”
Despite facing tough competition from the likes of Andrew Tang, Hikaru Nakamura, and Naroditsky in previous events, Bortnyk’s hunger for victory was evident in his latest triumph. A standout moment in the tournament was his 37-game unbeaten streak, which propelled him to the top of the leaderboard and ultimately secured his victory.
Bortnyk’s strategic prowess and mastery of the Jobava-Rapport London System were key factors in his success, as he capitalized on his opponents’ inaccuracies to launch relentless attacks and secure crucial wins. His exceptional performance against top players like Yagiz Erdogmus and Daniel Naroditsky showcased his skill and determination to emerge victorious.
As Bortnyk continues to excel on the online chess scene, his recent win in Bullet Brawl serves as a testament to his talent and dedication to the game. With the support of Ukrainian esports club Natus Vincere, Bortnyk is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming 2025 Esports World Cup, further solidifying his status as a top contender in the world of chess.