Biel, Switzerland — Vladimir Fedoseev has claimed the Biel Grandmaster Triathlon 2025 title in stunning fashion, defeating Saleh Salem in the final classical game and edging out India’s Aravindh Chithambaram on tiebreaks. Both finished with 28.5 points, but Fedoseev’s superior Chess960 performance (4 points vs. Aravindh’s 2.5) sealed the title.
This marks another major milestone in what’s becoming a breakout year for Fedoseev. After lifting his first Superbet Rapid & Blitz title in Poland and securing a confirmed spot at the Esports World Cup, the Slovenian grandmaster (by federation) continues to make his case for elite status.
A Comeback for the Ages
Heading into the final round, Aravindh led with 27 points, while both Fedoseev and Saleh Salem trailed with 24.5. The final classical games were decisive:
- Fedoseev (White) defeated Salem, earning 4 points.
- Aravindh drew Volodar Murzin, netting only 1.5 points.
Fedoseev played creatively and energetically, using an early pawn storm to provoke weaknesses. Salem defended well for a while, but once the position opened and coordination became critical, he faltered. Fedoseev capitalized ruthlessly.
Fedoseev’s play was both sharp and thematic, showcasing how modern players weaponize space, initiative, and tempo.
That left both Fedoseev and Aravindh tied at 28.5. But the tournament rules specify that in case of a tie, the Chess960 standings determine the winner. Fedoseev had scored 4 points, while Aravindh had just 2.5, handing the crown to the Russian-born grandmaster.
Breakdown of Fedoseev’s Triathlon Performance
Classical Chess: The Decider
- Final Score: 8.5 points (out of a max of 20)
- Key Moment: A clutch final-round win over Salem, while Aravindh drew his game
- Classical Scoring: 4 pts/win, 1.5/draw
- Style: Fedoseev started slow but surged at the end, showing resilience after a loss in Round 7. His last-round win brought him level with Aravindh at 28.5 total points.
Rapid Chess: Solid & Efficient
- Score: 7 points
- Results: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
- Tied for 1st in rapid with Aravindh Chithambaram
Fedoseev mirrored Aravindh’s result in this segment. While neither dominated, they both stayed consistent, scoring just enough to set up the real battle in the classical stage.
Blitz Chess: Ruthless Finish
- Score: 7.5 points — 1st place overall
- Highlights:
- 7 wins
- 1 draw
- 1 loss
Fedoseev outpaced the entire field in blitz, including Aravindh and Salem, showing his sharper instincts and faster reflexes in the most chaotic section of the event.
Chess960: The Hidden Tie-Break Hero
- Fedoseev: 4.0 points
- Aravindh: 2.5 points
Though not part of the main scoring, the Chess960 ranking served as the official tie-breaker — and it made all the difference. Fedoseev’s better result here (3rd place) edged out Aravindh’s 6th-place finish and handed him the title.
Total Triathlon Score: 28.5 Points
(tied with Aravindh Chithambaram, but won on tie-break)
| Segment | Score | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Classical | 8.5 | 2nd |
| Rapid | 7 | =1st |
| Blitz | 7.5 | 1st |
| Chess960 (tie-break) | 4.0 | 3rd |
Fedoseev’s consistency across all formats and especially his strong blitz showing (top scorer with 7.5/10) gave him the edge needed to capitalize on the final-round opportunity.
What’s Next for Fedoseev?
With this title, Fedoseev joins a prestigious list of Biel winners including Carlsen, Anand, Karpov, Morozevich, and most recently Lê Quang Liêm, who dominated from 2022 to 2024.
Fedoseev is also a two-time silver medalist at the World Rapid Championship, and his calendar is only heating up. Next stop: Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Is it time to call Fedoseev an elite player? His recent string of triumphs says yes.
Final Standings – Biel Masters Triathlon 2025
| Rank | Player | Total | Chess960 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Vladimir Fedoseev | 28.5 | #3 |
| 🥈 2 | Aravindh Chithambaram | 28.5 | #6 |
| 🥉 3 | Saleh Salem | 24.5 | #2 |
| 4 | Volodar Murzin | 23.5 | #4 |
| 5 | Radoslaw Wojtaszek | 16 | #1 |
| 6 | Frederik Svane | 10 | #5 |
Vladimir Fedoseev: The New Force at the Top
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1995, Fedoseev became a Grandmaster at just 16. Early in his career, he collected youth titles across Europe and delivered strong showings in events like the Aeroflot Open (2017 winner) and World Rapid Championships (silver in both 2017 and 2023). He gained a reputation for deep preparation and aggressive creativity, particularly dangerous in faster time controls.
At 2739, Vladimir Fedoseev now sits at #16 in the world rankings – the highest position of his career. With elite-level consistency across formats – 2740 Rapid, 2746 Blitz, and 2739 in Classical – the 30-year-old grandmaster is not just a specialist; he’s one of the most well-rounded players on the global circuit. However, after the Biel tournament, he lost 7.5 rating points in classical chess and dropped to world number 20 in live rating.
Though Fedoseev has long been a name in top-level chess, his ascendancy into elite territory has been steadily accelerating since 2023. Now representing Slovenia, Fedoseev has blossomed into a player capable of defeating anyone, including Magnus Carlsen, whom he beat at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
Fedoseev Joins Biel’s Hall of Fame
The Biel Chess Festival is one of the longest-running elite chess tournaments in Europe. Held annually in Switzerland since 1968, it has served as a stage for future stars. Past champions include legends like Anand, Carlsen, Karpov, and Morozevich.
What began as a dramatic comeback has now cemented Fedoseev’s place in chess history.
Biel Chess Festival games on Lichess
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet. Follow me on Twitter (X).
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