Vincent Keymer and Dinara Wagner have emerged as the new German chess champions. Keymer confirmed his status as the pre-tournament favorite by winning the title in convincing fashion, while top seed Wagner triumphed over WGM Hanna Marie Klek in an exciting tiebreaker.
The 2025 German Championships took place at Fat Cat GmbH, Munich, Germany, from May 15-23. Both the Masters and Women’s Masters were 10-player round-robin tournaments played under classical time controls. Additionally, Candidates tournaments for lower-rated players were held in both sections.
The Masters event was dominated by Vincent Keymer, who steamrolled the competition scoring an impressive 7/9. Despite a last-round loss to Alexander Donchenko, Keymer had already secured the title with a round to spare.
Reigning European Champion Matthias Bluebaum took silver with 5.5/9, while Dennis Wagner completed the podium. Wagner’s crucial final-round victory over Marco Dobrikov and his head-to-head win against Frederik Svane gave him the edge for third place.
Final standings – Masters
The Women’s Masters followed a much tighter script, coming down to the wire as IM Dinara Wagner (pictured below, right) and WGM Hanna Marie Klek (pictured below, left) entered the final round tied for first place at 6/8. Both players drew their final-round games, finishing tied at 6.5/9.
A two-game rapid tiebreaker was played to determine the champion. Despite being in a lost position in the first game, Wagner rallied to win both encounters and claim the title.
Kateryna Dolzhykova finished a full point behind the champion and runner-up, securing the bronze medal.
Final standings – Women’s Masters
Photos: German Chess Federation / Stev Bonhage; Deutscher Schachbund Facebook
Official website: schachbund.de/deutsche-meisterschaften-2025.html