Anastasiia Hnatyshyn Wins European Women’s Chess Championship 2026
Ukrainian chess prodigy Anastasiia Hnatyshyn has won the European Women’s Chess Championship 2026 in spectacular fashion. The 15-year-old, who started the tournament as the 76th seed, shocked the field to claim the prestigious title.
The championship was held in Batumi, Georgia, from May 25 to June 5, 2026. The event featured 165 players from 32 European federations competing in an 11-round Swiss tournament with classical time controls.
Hnatyshyn’s Remarkable Journey
Anastasiia took the sole lead after Round 5 and quickly became one of the tournament’s biggest stories.
Her path was not easy. In Round 7, she lost to Georgia’s IM Meri Arabidze, allowing Arabidze and Spain’s IM Sabrina Vega Gutierrez to catch up. Gutierrez moved ahead after Round 8, but Hnatyshyn bounced back strongly.
A crucial victory against former European Women’s Champion Ulviyya Fataliyeva in Round 9 brought her back into contention. She then defeated IM Eline Roebers in Round 10 to regain the sole lead before the final round.
A Nerve-Wracking Final Round
Entering the last round, Hnatyshyn led the standings by half a point.
Playing with the black pieces against Poland’s IM Klaudia Kulon, she faced a difficult challenge. Kulon gained an early advantage from the opening, but Hnatyshyn defended accurately and secured the draw she needed.
At the same time, her closest rivals, Sabrina Vega Gutierrez and Olga Badelka, fought hard for victory. However, their game ended in a draw, ensuring that Hnatyshyn remained alone at the top of the standings.
Final Standings
Anastasiia Hnatyshyn finished first with an impressive 9/11 points.
Three players tied for second place with 8.5/11 points:
| Rank | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anastasiia Hnatyshyn | 9.0 |
| 2 | Sabrina Vega Gutierrez | 8.5 |
| 3 | Olga Badelka | 8.5 |
| 4 | Nurgyul Salimova | 8.5 |
Based on the Buchholz tiebreak system, Sabrina Vega Gutierrez won the silver medal, while Olga Badelka secured bronze.
A Tournament to Remember
The championship proved to be a breakthrough event for Hnatyshyn.
The young Ukrainian star achieved several major milestones:
- Earned an International Master (IM) norm
- Gained 214 rating points
- Became the highest-rated U20 girl in the live ratings
- Qualified for the next FIDE Women’s World Cup
- Received a direct Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title
Just days before her 16th birthday, Hnatyshyn delivered one of the most impressive performances in recent European women’s chess history.
Closing Ceremony in Batumi
The closing ceremony was held on the final evening in Batumi and was attended by leading chess officials, players, and guests.
Among those present were:
- ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili
- Georgian Chess Federation President Akaki Iashvili
- Tournament officials and arbiters
- Players and distinguished guests
Akaki Iashvili thanked the European Chess Union for entrusting Georgia with hosting the championship. He praised the organizing team and congratulated all participants, with special recognition for the young champion Anastasiia Hnatyshyn.
ECU President Zurab Azmaiparashvili also expressed gratitude to the organizers, arbiters, anti-cheating team, media crew, and volunteers who helped make the tournament a success.
Following the speeches and musical performances, medals and trophies were presented to the winners.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem of Ukraine, celebrating Anastasiia Hnatyshyn’s historic victory and an unforgettable European Women’s Chess Championship 2026.
Photos: European Chess Union
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
