IM Hilmir Freyurisson emerged as the winner of the 2026 Icelandic Championship, securing his maiden national title.
The 2026 edition of the Icelandic Championship, a 10-player round-robin with classical time control, took place in Reykjavik from May 1–9. The event was a very close race, with as many as three players – Freyurisson (7/8), defending champion GM Vignir Vatnar Stefansson (6.5/8), and GM Hannes Stefansson (6/8) – having a shot at the title heading into the final round.
Freyurisson took matters into his own hands and clinched the title by defeating FM Bárður Örn Birkisson. The champion’s record in this event is nothing short of remarkable: eight wins, one loss, and not a single draw.
Vignir Vatnar Stefansson also pulled off a final-round victory over Gudmundur Kjartansson but finished half a point behind the champion. Notably, he was the only player to beat the champion and completed the event undefeated.
Hannes Stefansson rounded out the podium with 6.5/9 following a quick draw with IM Dagur Ragnarsson in the final round.
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Official website: https://skak.is/