Andy Woodward Shines in Bullet Brawl, Claims Debut Title Among Elite Competitors
Rising Star Andy Woodward Claims Victory in Bullet Brawl
May 9, 2026 – In a dazzling display of speed and skill, 16-year-old Grandmaster Andy Woodward emerged victorious in Saturday’s Bullet Brawl, outpacing 191 titled players to secure his debut title and a $400 prize. Fresh off a commendable performance at the TePe Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament, Woodward showcased his exceptional talent, scoring an impressive 157 points in just two hours of intense competition.
Woodward’s triumph was marked by a remarkable ability to win games swiftly, with only one of his first nine matches exceeding 50 moves. His strategy was clear: rapid, decisive victories. In one standout game, he checkmated his opponent in just 15 seconds, demonstrating his prowess in the fast-paced bullet format.
Finishing in second place was fellow Grandmaster Andrew Tang, who scored 149 points and took home $250. Tang, a two-time Chess.com hyperbullet champion, managed to maintain a nine-game winning streak in the latter part of the tournament but ultimately fell short against Woodward. The two faced off ten times, splitting their encounters evenly, with their shortest match concluding in a mere 14 moves.
The competition was fierce, with notable players like GM Ediz Gurel and GM Dmitry Andreikin also vying for the top spots. Gurel, who faced Woodward in a tense match, found himself outmaneuvered after spending an unusually cautious 12 seconds on his first 13 moves. Despite his experience, he was unable to keep pace with Woodward’s aggressive style.
In a twist of fate, Gurel, Andreikin, and IM Renato Terry ended up in a three-way tie for third and fourth places, with Gurel’s tiebreaks leaving him just shy of the podium. Iranian WIM Melika Mohammadi claimed the $100 prize for the best female player, further highlighting the diverse talent present in the tournament.
As the dust settles on this thrilling event, chess enthusiasts are already looking forward to the next Bullet Brawl, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at 12 PM ET. With Woodward’s electrifying performance setting the stage, the upcoming tournament promises to be another exciting chapter in the world of online chess.
For full standings and game reviews, visit Chess.com.