Yagiz Erdogmus Dominates Bullet Brawl, Claims Top Prize Against Elite Competition
14-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Yagiz Erdogmus Dominates Bullet Brawl
March 21, 2026 — In a stunning display of skill and strategy, 14-year-old Turkish chess sensation Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus clinched the top spot in the latest Bullet Brawl tournament, outpacing 176 formidable titled players to secure the $400 first prize. With an impressive tally of 162 points, Erdogmus achieved 49 wins, two draws, and 16 losses, showcasing his remarkable prowess in speed chess.
Trailing behind him was IM Renato Terry, who finished with 142 points and will take home $250 for his efforts. GM Andrew Tang and IM Yoseph Taher rounded out the top four, earning $150 and $100 respectively. Notably, IM Karina Ambartsumova was recognized as the top female player, also receiving $100.
The Bullet Brawl, a weekly arena featuring Chess.com’s elite bullet specialists, saw Erdogmus return with a vengeance after a year of headlines for his record-breaking rise in classical chess. His speed chess skills, often overshadowed, were on full display as he reminded the chess world of his potential to become an elite player across all formats.
Erdogmus’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. The tournament kicked off with a competitive atmosphere, featuring renowned grandmasters like Tang, Matthias Bluebaum, and Arjun Erigaisi. Early on, IM Faustino Oro, just 12 years old, held a slim lead, even defeating Tang in a thrilling 44-move game. However, the tide turned when Erdogmus found his rhythm, launching into a 16-game winning streak that propelled him to the top.
As the games unfolded, commentators noted Erdogmus’s remarkable ability to shift gears. After trailing by about 10 points, he seized the lead and never looked back. His strategic brilliance was evident when he trapped Taher’s rook in a seemingly drawish position, a pivotal moment that showcased his tactical acumen.
Tang, who finished in third, acknowledged Erdogmus’s dominance during the live Twitch broadcast, stating, “If I’m going to lock in, it’s going to need to be very soon because Erdogmus is playing apparently.” His prediction proved accurate as Erdogmus continued to rack up wins, leaving competitors struggling to keep pace.
By the end of the tournament, Erdogmus had solidified his status as a rising star, becoming the eighth player to win three Bullet Brawl titles. His victory not only adds to his accolades but also positions him as a formidable contender against established names like Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza Firouzja in the world of bullet chess.
The next edition of Bullet Brawl is set to take place on Saturday, March 28, at 12 p.m. ET/18:00 CET, promising another thrilling showdown among chess’s elite.
For full standings and game reviews, visit the Bullet Brawl tournament page.