Unique family simul by the Karácsonyi siblings in Budapest
Standing: Bánk and Gellért, sitting: Luca and Kata On December 28, 2025, four siblings from the Karácsonyi family – all rated above 2000 – hosted a remarkable 150-board team simultaneous exhibition in Budapest, Hungary. The simul-givers were: IM Gellért Karácsonyi (2412) Kata Karácsonyi (2238), who earned her third WIM norm in December Luca Karácsonyi (2064) Bánk Karácsonyi (2107), the youngest of the quartet The siblings shared every board, taking consecutive moves in rotation. This required deep mutual understanding of each other’s thought processes across all 150 games. Two players lost by forfeit, but on 148 remaining boards the games were played to completion. After six hours, the Karácsonyi siblings won 109 games, drew 22, and lost only 17. Notably, the opposition included many experienced players – not just beginners. Kata Karácsony, the top scorer for Hungary at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, in action during the simul To the best of available knowledge, no similar event has ever taken place in chess history: a simul featuring four siblings, playing so many boards, and achieving such an impressive result. It was both an inspiration for chess-playing families and a lively celebration of the game for the Budapest chess community – one that organizers and fans alike hope will be repeated.