GM Sune Berg Hansen finally won the Kronborg tournament
Today, chess history was made in Helsingør, as Grandmaster Sune Berg Hansen lifted the trophy as the winner of the Kronborg Chess Open 2025 for the first time – the only tournament in Helsingør Chess Club he had yet to win. With this victory, he completes a remarkable chapter in his long and successful chess career.
Sune has been a member of Helsingør Chess Club since he was 12 years old, and the club has played a central role in his development from a talented junior to an international grandmaster. Over the years, he has won countless tournaments both nationally and internationally, but the Kronborg Chess Open had eluded him – a tournament that has held special personal significance.
A full point ahead of the nearest competitors
This year, the tournament was held at Comwell Borupgaard in Snekkersten, where participants competed in beautiful surroundings and under optimal conditions. The GM group featured a strong lineup with both Danish and international titled players, including three grandmasters. But Sune demonstrated his class and experience throughout the tournament. With 6 points out of 7, he secured the victory in the strong international field without a single loss!
In the final round, a draw against GM Vignir Vatnar Stefansson was enough to clinch the overall win, finishing a full point ahead of his closest rival, Nikolaos Galopoulos of Greece, who also achieved his third IM norm during the event.
🏆 Final Standings – GM Group:
- 🥇 1st place: GM Sune Berg Hansen (DEN) – 6/7
- 🥈 2nd–6th place (shared) – all with 5/7:
- Nikolaos Galopoulos (GRE)
- IM Tor Fredrik Kaasen (NOR)
- IM Jakob Leon Pajeken (GER/DEN)
- GM Vignir Vatnar Stefansson (ISL)
- IM Dagur Ragnarsson (ISL)
There was no clear second or third place, as five players shared second place with 5 points each. Galopoulos’ performance was especially notable, as he secured his third IM norm – a major milestone on the path to the International Master title.
👏 Congratulations, Sune! You haven’t just won a tournament – you’ve written yourself into the club’s history and given us all a day to remember.