Hikaru Nakamura Dominates to Win 30th Bullet Brawl Title
Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura showcased his bullet chess prowess once again by clinching his 30th Bullet Brawl title with an impressive score of 303 on Saturday. Nakamura’s stellar performance not only secured him the $400 first prize but also set a new record for the greatest winning margin in the event’s history, with a 94-point lead over second-placed GM Oleksandr Bortnyk.
With 80 wins, three draws, and three losses, Nakamura’s dominance was unmatched as he outplayed his opponents throughout the tournament. GM Andrew Tang claimed the third spot, earning $150, while GM Tuan Minh Le secured the fourth-place prize of $100.
FM Anastasia Avramidou and Sundram Kumar continued their winning streak by clinching the $100 best women’s prize and community events, respectively, for the second consecutive week.
The next edition of Bullet Brawl is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2024, at noon ET/18:00 CEST.
Nakamura’s record-breaking score of 320 still stands, but his 94-point lead over Bortnyk in this tournament surpassed the previous record set back in February. Despite Bortnyk’s strong performance, Nakamura’s strategic gameplay and tactical awareness proved to be unbeatable.
The event, which attracted 138 titled players, saw strong performances from top GMs like Daniel Naroditsky, Yagiz Erdogmus, Matthias Bluebaum, and Sergei Zhigalko. Erdogmus finished fifth in the tournament, showcasing his skills against formidable opponents.
Nakamura’s exceptional start with a 26.5/28 score set the tone for his victory, with only CM Henning Holinka managing to defeat him in the early stages. Nakamura’s final score of 81.5/86 highlighted his consistent performance and tactical brilliance.
Bortnyk, streaming live on Twitch, praised Nakamura’s impressive gameplay, acknowledging the significant gap between them in the tournament. Nakamura’s strategic combinations and tactical maneuvers were key to his success, showcasing his mastery in bullet chess.
With Nakamura and Naroditsky accounting for over 70 percent of Bullet Brawl titles, the duo’s dominance in the tournament is evident. Adding Bortnyk to the mix raises the win rate to an impressive 82 percent, highlighting the caliber of players in the competition.
Bullet Brawl continues to be a thrilling arena for top bullet chess specialists, featuring intense battles and high-stakes competition. With a $1,000 prize fund and top GMs competing regularly, the tournament promises exciting matchups and fierce competition for chess enthusiasts worldwide.