In an exciting moment for chess fans, German Grandmaster Matthias Bluebaum has made history by becoming the first player to win the European Chess Championship twice. After clinching the title in 2022, Bluebaum once again emerged victorious in 2025, proving his consistency and skill on the international stage. This victory cements his status as one of the top players in the world and highlights his incredible growth since his debut on the chess scene.
The 2025 European Championship
Bluebaum’s remarkable triumph came after a hard-fought 11-round Swiss tournament, held from March 15 to 26 in Eforie Nord, Romania. With a total of 375 players from across Europe, including 100 grandmasters, the competition was fierce. Bluebaum finished with an impressive score of 8.5/11, tying for first place with GMs Frederik Svane and Maxim Rodshtein. However, it was Bluebaum who came out on top thanks to the best tiebreaks, making him the European Champion for the second time.
A Glimpse at His Victory
He performed consistently solid, and his tournament was marked by key wins against top players like GM Baadur Jobava and GM Daniil Yuffa. His game against Jobava in round nine was particularly impressive, where he demonstrated excellent technique to convert a small advantage into a full point. Even in the final rounds, where he played draws, his tiebreak score was enough to hold onto first place.
Bluebaum’s victory was not only a personal achievement but also an important milestone for German chess, as he remains the only German player to win the prestigious European Chess Championship twice.
Who is Matthias Bluebaum?
Born on April 18, 1997, in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia, Matthias Bluebaum comes from a chess-loving family. His father, Karl-Ernst, is a seasoned chess player, and two of his sisters also competed in Germany’s Girls’ Chess Championship. Bluebaum’s early introduction to chess came at the age of six, and by twelve, he was already showing promise as part of the “Prinzengruppe,” a group of talented German juniors coached by Bernd Vökler.
Bluebaum’s journey to becoming a grandmaster was rapid. By the time he was 14, he earned the title of International Master (IM), and by 18, he had secured the title of Grandmaster (GM). His rise through the ranks was marked by numerous tournament victories, including his first major international title at the 2015 European Youth Team Chess Championship, where he represented Germany and helped the team to victory.
Matthias Bluebaum’s Key Achievements
Matthias Bluebaum’s victory at the 2025 European Chess Championship is a testament to his growth as a player and his position as one of the best in the world. His second championship win places him in the history books, and with his background, achievements, and continued success, there’s no doubt that he will remain a key figure in global chess for years to come.
This victory marks another significant milestone in his career, and fans around the world will be excited to see what comes next for the German Grandmaster.
Keep following The New England Chess School for latest chess news and exciting blogs.