The Players of SMUK-Skak 2026

GM Vladimir Baklan, Ukraine
One of the most accomplished players in the field. Two-time Ukrainian Champion (1997 and 1998), Olympic gold medallist with Ukraine in 2000 and World Team Champion in 2001. Baklan reached a peak rating of 2656 and was once ranked around No. 65 in the world.
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GM Gergely Aczel, Hungary
A strong Hungarian grandmaster with a peak rating around 2550. Besides his playing career, Aczel is highly regarded as a coach and analyst and has worked at the highest levels of international chess.
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GM Allan Stig Rasmussen, Denmark
One of Denmark’s most experienced grandmasters and a five-time Danish Champion (2010, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2019). He has represented Denmark at numerous Chess Olympiads and reached a peak rating around 2550.
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IM Filip Boe Olsen, Denmark
One of Denmark’s strongest young IMs, rated around 2475. A serious contender for a GM norm in Skanderborg. Teamwise, Filip Boe is an important member of the Skanderborg squad, which just by a narrow margin was beaten in the fight for the Danish Championship 2025/26.
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IM Jakob Leon Pajeken, Denmark
A strong German IM approaching the 2500 level. Pajeken has established himself as one of Germany’s leading young players and will be chasing a GM norm. In Denmark, Pajeken is a regular and very important player on the Liga Team of Skanderborg Skakklub.
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IM Nikola Kanov, Bulgaria
A strong and experienced Bulgarian IM with extensive international tournament experience and another potential GM-norm contender. In Denmark, his club is Fredericia.
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IM Nicolai Kistrup, Denmark
A young and established Danish IM with considerable experience from strong international tournaments. Another Danish player with the strength to challenge for a GM norm.
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FM Vitus Bondo Medhus, Denmark
Only 17 and one of Denmark’s most promising young talents. Already an IM-norm holder and above the 2400 level. He is the youngest member of the Skanderborg squad.
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FM Henning Holinka, Germany
A strong German FM who will have an excellent opportunity to compete for an IM norm against this international field.
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FM Jens Ramsdal, Denmark
An experienced Danish FM from Aarhus, completing the field, with the opportunity to challenge for an IM norm against strong GM and IM opposition.