Hans Niemann wins Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz 2026

By admin May 10, 2026 0 comments

Hans Niemann (USA) scored 22.5/36 to win Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz 2026. Fabiano Caruana (USA) finished second 22/36, Wesley So (USA) third 21/36.

The Americans dominate the podium

The tournament sole leader, Hans Niemann scored 6/9 on the final day to win the tournament. This was Rapid and Blitz debut in Grand Chess Tour and he won it in his first attempt. In the post tournament interview, Hans shared, “After the Rapid, I had no stress. I was so relaxed. I mean, I couldn’t believe that I could lose three games in-a-row and still be leading. So before today, I was wondering, why do I feel so bad? I’m leading the tournament. So, this was honestly such a rollercoaster. I’m honestly just happy that I won because it was not easy after I lost that game to Gukesh. Anything could have happened. Even to win this last game was difficult. So I am glad that all the stars aligned. It’s a great honor and privilege to win this tournament.”

Champion – Hans Niemann (USA) 22.5/36 | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Interview with Hans Niemann (USA) | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club

Runner-up – Fabiano Caruana (USA) 22/36 | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Second Runner-up – Wesley So (USA) 21/36 | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

World Champion, D Gukesh defeated the eventual winner, Hans Niemann in Round 16 | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Hans – Duda, Blitz Round 17

Position after 21.Rf5!?

Hans Niemann (USA) played a fantastic game to beat Jan-Krzysztof Duda (POL). 21.Rf5!? is a nice exchange sacrifice to launch an attack on the kingside. White managed to break through Black’s defences and win the game.

Round 17 in progress | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Hans Niemann refused repetition and defeated Radoslaw Wojtaszek (POL) to win the final round game and the tournament | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

All participants of Super Rapid and Blitz 2026 | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Grand Chess Tour

Replay live stream

Replay Super Blitz 2026 Round 10-18 live commentary by GMs Yasser Seirawan, Maurice Ashley, & Cristian Chirila, IMs Nazi Paikidze & Irene Sukandar, and WGM Anastasiya Karlovich | Video: Saint Louis Chess Club

Replay Blitz Round 10-18 games

Schedule and Format

Superbet Rapid and Blitz will have three rounds per day in the Rapid portion from 5th to 7th May. The Blitz event will take place on 8th and 9th May. It will be a double round-robin event for the Blitz which means nine rounds will be played on each day. Round 1 starts at 2 p.m. local time, 5:30 p.m. IST. It will be a 10-player Round Robin event. Time control for Rapid will be 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment. For Blitz it is, 5 minutes + 2 seconds increment.