Grand Swiss runner-up GM Matthias Bluebaum accidentally brakes his trophy
German Grandmaster Matthias Bluebaum has made history by qualifying for the Candidates Chess 2026 after finishing second at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss with 7.5/11 points. His strong performance not only secured him a coveted Candidates spot but also marked a milestone for German chess, as he becomes the first player from the country to reach this stage since Robert Hübner in 1991. Bluebaum, who has steadily climbed the world rankings over the past few years, is now set to compete against the world’s elite for the chance to challenge the reigning World Champion.
Matthias Bluebaum participated in the Bluhmecke Schach Podcast in an interview with Sonja Maria Blum and Katharina Reinecke. They talk about the significance of this qualification to the Candidates and his plans for the coming months. In an shock moment, Matthias Bluebaum broke his Grand Swiss trophy during the podcast (min 33 on)
The next event of Matthias Bluebaum is the World Chess Cup 2025 , where he is seeded 35th.