GM Jules Moussard Claims First Titled Tuesday Victory with Stellar Performance
GM Jules Moussard Claims First Titled Tuesday Victory with Stellar Performance
June 23, 2026 – In a thrilling display of chess mastery, Grandmaster Jules Moussard emerged as the latest first-time winner of Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday tournament, finishing with an impressive score of 10 out of 11. Moussard’s victory, secured by a full point margin, marks him as the third player to achieve this feat in 2026, joining fellow GMs Zhamsaran Tsydypov and Haik Martirosyan.
The tournament saw a fierce competition among 18 players who initially held perfect scores after four rounds. However, by the sixth round, only Moussard and GM Matthias Bluebaum remained undefeated. Moussard showcased his prowess by decisively defeating GM Dmitry Andreikin in just 27 moves, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament.
Despite a setback in the seventh round where Moussard lost to Bluebaum, he quickly regained his momentum, winning his next two matches. Bluebaum, however, faced an unexpected blunder in round eight, hanging a rook against GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, which cost him his perfect score and shifted the dynamics of the tournament.
As the rounds progressed, Moussard continued to shine, ultimately facing GM Oleksandr Bortnyk in the final round. The match was a classic showdown, featuring the Four Pawns Attack in Alekhine’s Defense. Moussard’s strategic play and control of the center proved decisive, allowing him to secure the victory and the top prize of $2,500.
Completing the podium were GM Denis Lazavik and IM Renato Terry, who both finished with nine points but were edged out by Lazavik on tiebreaks. The tournament’s excitement was palpable, with several players vying for the top spots, including Bortnyk, who had an impressive run of victories leading up to the final round.
The stakes were high, with a perfect score bounty of $1,000 up for grabs, which will now increase by $250 each week until achieved. Moussard’s triumph not only highlights his skill but also adds to the growing list of first-time winners in this prestigious tournament.
As Titled Tuesday continues to attract top talent from around the globe, chess enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next installment, where players will once again compete for glory and significant cash prizes.
For full standings and more details, visit Chess.com.