Ediz Gurel Makes History at Bullet Brawl, Defeating Magnus Carlsen and Claiming First Prize

Ediz Gurel Makes History at Bullet Brawl, Defeating Chess Titans

March 28, 2026 — In a stunning display of skill and tenacity, Turkish Grandmaster Ediz Gurel etched his name into the annals of Bullet Brawl history on Saturday, clinching victory despite joining the tournament 34 minutes late. Gurel’s remarkable performance saw him outpace 162 titled players, including the legendary five-time world champion, GM Magnus Carlsen, who also entered the arena late.

Gurel finished the event with an impressive score of 46 out of 53, translating to an unrivaled 153 points, which earned him the $400 first prize. Following closely behind was Indian GM Nihal Sarin, who secured second place with 149 points and a prize of $250. Carlsen and Indonesian IM Yoseph Taher rounded out the top four, taking home $150 and $100, respectively.

The tournament, known for attracting top-tier talent, featured a competitive lineup that included several super-GMs. Carlsen’s late entry heightened the intensity, but it was Gurel who ultimately stole the spotlight. His strategic prowess and rapid-fire gameplay allowed him to dominate the field, culminating in a remarkable 10-game winning streak toward the end of the event.

Gurel’s path to victory was anything but easy. The 17-year-old faced fierce competition from seasoned players, including GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and IM Faustino Oro, who had led for much of the first half. However, Gurel’s late-game surge, which included decisive wins over Sarin, Erdogmus, and Taher, solidified his position at the top.

In a tournament that showcased the best of Bullet Brawl, Gurel’s achievement stands out not only for his late arrival but also for the sheer number of games he played—25 fewer than Sarin—while only losing four matches. His performance is a testament to his skill and determination, marking his ninth Bullet Brawl title and solidifying his status as a formidable force in the chess world.

Greek FM Anastasia Avramidou also made headlines by winning the $100 best women’s prize, further highlighting the diverse talent present in the tournament.

The next edition of Bullet Brawl is set to take place on Saturday, April 4, at 12 p.m. ET/18:00 CET, promising another thrilling showdown for chess enthusiasts around the globe.

For full standings and game reviews, visit Bullet Brawl’s official page.