Ediz Gurel, 17, just won his tenth Bullet Brawl title by a single point after opening with 17 straight wins. That's the kind of start that ends even Hikaru Nakamura's perfect records.
Gurel's run was exceptional. Seventeen consecutive victories in bullet chess is not a casual accomplishment. He built enough cushion early that he coasted to victory despite the usual variance that comes with blitz and bullet events where anyone can stumble.
Nakamura's undefeated streak in 2026's Bullet Brawl series ended. The world's fastest player couldn't maintain his dominance when Gurel brought this level of execution. The margin was tight. One point decides it, which means Gurel couldn't afford many slip-ups down the stretch either.
This is the teenager's tenth title in this format. Ten. At 17, he's already a fixture at the top of bullet chess, something that would have been remarkable even a decade ago. His rapid ascent in the fastest format has been the story of this Bullet Brawl season.
The dominant opening proved decisive. Gurel didn't need to win the final games outright. He'd established enough of a lead that consistency carried him across the finish line. That's mature chess thinking in a format usually defined by pure calculation and nerves.
Nakamura will be back. Nakamura is always back. But for now, Gurel owns Bullet Brawl.