15-year-old Ukrainian rising star Anastasiia Hnatyshyn emerged as the sole winner of the European Women’s Chess Championship 2026 in Batumi, Georgia!

Anastasiia Hnatyshyn (UKR, 2207) entered the final round as the sole leader of the event, playing with the Black pieces against Polish representative IM Klaudia Kulon (POL, 2377). Kulon was well-prepared for the game and earned an early edge out of the opening, but Hnatyshyn fought precisely and held the game to a draw, which was enough to clinch the gold medal and the title!

The game between the runners-up, IM Sabrina Vega Gutierrez (ESP, 2375) and IM Olga Badelka (AUT, 2392), ended in a draw after a long fight in a balanced position, as both players tried to win to catch Hnatyshyn at the top. Following this result, Anastasiia Hnatyshyn was announced as the sole winner of the event with a score of 9/11 points. Meanwhile, IM Sabrina Vega Gutierrez (ESP, 2375), IM Olga Badelka (AUT, 2392), and IM Nurgyul Salimova (BUL, 2404) tied for second place, scoring 8.5/11 points each.

IM Nurgyul Salimova (BUL, 2404) was victorious in the last round against IM Mai Narva (EST, 2426) after a highly sharp encounter where Narva pressed too hard for a win with the White pieces and eventually lost control of the game. Salimova gained the upper hand and, with precise play in the endgame, converted her advantage into a win, joining the tie for 2nd–4th place. Due to the tiebreak criteria, Nurgyul Salimova finished the event in fourth place.

Anastasiia Hnatyshyn concluded the tournament with an impressive score of 9/11 points. It has been a phenomenal event for the Ukrainian sensation, who earned an IM norm, gained 214 rating points, became the top U20 girl in the live ratings, and qualified for the next FIDE Women’s World Cup! By winning the European Women’s Chess Championship 2026, Hnatyshyn also earned a direct WGM title.

The Closing ceremony of the event took place this evening in the playing venue of the event, with the attendance of the ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of Georgian Chess Federation Mr. Akaki Iashvili, ECU Tournament Director Mr. Petr Pisk, tournament officials, players, and distinguished guests. The Ceremony was inaugurated with the intonation of anthems of Georgia and the European Chess Union.

The President of the Georgian Chess Federation, Mr. Akaki Iashvili, welcomed everyone to the closing ceremony. Mr. Iashvili thanked the European Chess Union for entrusting the organization of the tournament to the Georgian Chess Federation, emphasizing that the Georgian Chess Federation is always a proud host of top-level European and world chess events. He also thanked the organizing committee for their excellent work, expressing gratitude to all the staff and personnel who helped run the event at the highest level. He congratulated the winners, with special praises for 15-year-old Anastasiia Hnatyshyn.

ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili addressed the distinguished guests and players, thanking the Georgian Chess Federation and its President, Mr. Akaki Iashvili, for the great organization of the championship. He also thanked Chief Arbiter Mr. Geert Bailleul and the entire arbiters’ team, Chairman of the Appeals Committee Mr. Stephane Escafre and its members, the anti-cheating team, the organizing committee, the media team, and the ECU TV crew for their excellent, well-coordinated work throughout the championship. Mr. Azmaiparashvili warmly congratulated Anastasiia Hnatyshyn and the Ukrainian Chess Federation on the gold medal and title, while also congratulating the medalists and all participants for their excellent play and fighting spirit.

GM Salome Melia thanked everyone on behalf of the tournament organizing committee, offering special thanks to the President of the Georgian Chess Federation, the Ministry of Sport of Georgia, the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and all institutions who helped the organisation of the championship.

Following the speeches and musical performances, Chief Arbiter Mr. Geert Bailleul announced the final standings, while ECU President Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili and Georgian Chess Federation President Mr. Akaki Iashvili awarded the medals and trophies.

The closing ceremony concluded with the National Anthem of Ukraine and resounding applause for the medalists and the tournament champion, Anastasiia Hnatyshyn.

Final rankings of the Championship can be found here.

Photos by ECU

ECU