Oleksandr Bortnyk Triumphs in Intense Bullet Brawl, Secures 15th Title and $400 Prize

GM Oleksandr Bortnyk Triumphs in Intense Bullet Brawl, Secures $400 Prize

In a thrilling showdown that showcased the pinnacle of online chess, Grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk emerged victorious in the latest Bullet Brawl, pocketing $400 and claiming his 15th title in this high-stakes arena. Bortnyk, who described this event as “one of the hardest” he has ever participated in, finished with a score of 150 points, narrowly edging out fellow Grandmasters Emin Ohanyan and Andrew Tang, who took home $250 and $150, respectively.

The Bullet Brawl, known for its rapid-fire games and fierce competition, saw Bortnyk fend off a talented field of 180 players, including chess heavyweights like GMs Arjun Erigaisi, Matthias Bluebaum, and Nihal Sarin. The event, held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, was a testament to the skill and strategy required in bullet chess, where players have just one minute to make their moves.

Bortnyk’s path to victory was not without its challenges. After a strong start, he faced fierce competition from Ohanyan and Tang, both of whom were hot on his heels throughout the event. Despite a rocky second half, Bortnyk’s timely victories against his closest rivals, including a pivotal win over Bluebaum, solidified his lead.

In the women’s category, FM Anastasia Avramidou clinched the $100 prize with a remarkable three-game winning streak in the final moments of the tournament, showcasing her prowess in a highly competitive field.

The next Bullet Brawl is set to take place on Saturday, March 14, at 12 p.m. ET/18:00 CET, promising another round of exhilarating chess action.

As the chess community eagerly anticipates the next installment, Bortnyk’s victory not only adds to his impressive resume but also cements his status as one of the top contenders in the world of online chess. With the stakes continually rising, players will need to bring their A-game to keep up with the relentless pace of the Bullet Brawl.