Vincent Keymer won the GRENKE Chess Classic in Baden-Baden on Sunday, clinching the title in the final round with a win over Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The German number one finished on 5.5/7, a point ahead of the second-placed Frenchman.
Keymer has looked like a different player in 2026. His opening preparation is sharper, and he is converting endgames with a confidence he did not show twelve months ago. He is 21 years old and has been knocking on the door of elite tournament wins for two seasons. This one finally went his way.
The GRENKE, held annually in his home country, carries special resonance for the young German. After the final round, he spoke about winning in front of home fans as a childhood dream. For once, a press conference sounded genuine rather than scripted.
Vachier-Lagrave played excellent chess throughout the week but ran into a sharp theoretical line in the final round that Keymer had clearly prepared. MVL never found equality and resigned on move 34. The win lifts Keymer's live rating to a new personal best and positions him as a serious Candidates contender.