Mamedov and Firouzja Claim Titles at Sofia Cup 2026

The Sofia Cup 2026, which also serves as the Balkan Rapid and Blitz Championships, concluded on 30th August 2026 in Sofia, bringing together a strong international field of grandmasters for two days of high-tempo chess. The event, running from 29th to 30th August 2026, featured a combination of rapid and blitz competitions that produced tight finishes in both formats.

Rapid Championship

The rapid portion of the tournament ended in a three-way tie at the top of the standings, with Rauf Mamedov, Alireza Firouzja, and Dimitris Alexakis all finishing on 7.5/9. The tie-break ultimately determined the podium order, with Mamedov emerging as the rapid champion. Firouzja claimed the runner-up position on tie-break, while Alexakis secured third place, also decided by tie-break. The shared score of 7.5/9 from nine rounds reflected the competitive balance among the leading players throughout the rapid segment.

Blitz Championship

The blitz event produced a clearer outcome, as Alireza Firouzja delivered a dominant performance to take the title. Finishing with 9.5/11, Firouzja finished half a point clear of his closest rivals, demonstrating consistency across the faster time control. Ediz Gurel took second place, while Rauf Mamedov rounded out the podium in third. The half-point margin at the top of the blitz standings highlighted Firouzja’s control of the format following the tightly contested rapid competition.

Field of Participants

The Sofia Cup 2026 assembled a competitive field of established grandmasters from across Europe and beyond. Among the participants were Alireza Firouzja, Rauf Mamedov, Eduardo Iturrizaga Bonelli, Vojtech Plat, Leon Livaic, Sanan Sjugirov, Ediz Gurel, Ivan Cheparinov, and Dimitris Alexakis. The blend of experienced titleholders and rising talents contributed to the event’s competitive nature across both formats.

Podium Summary

• Rapid Champion: Rauf Mamedov (7.5/9)
• Rapid Runner-up: Alireza Firouzja (tie-break)
• Rapid Third Place: Dimitris Alexakis (tie-break)
• Blitz Champion: Alireza Firouzja (9.5/11)
• Blitz Runner-up: Ediz Gurel
• Blitz Third Place: Rauf Mamedov

Source

This report is based on information published by The Week in Chess (TWIC).

Official source: https://theweekinchess.com/chessnews/events/sofia-cup-2026