Karácsonyi Simul: A unique world record is broken in Hungary

by Press release
1/6/2026 – A rare family chess spectacle took place in Budapest on 28 December, as four members of the Karácsonyi family combined for a 150-board team simul. With all siblings rated above 2000, they moved in sequence across every board, relying on shared understanding of the position throughout the six-hour event. Facing a competitive field, the quartet achieved an impressive overall score, creating what appears to be a unique moment in chess history and an inspiring example of collective play at a high level.
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Four siblings, 150 boards

Four siblings of the Karácsonyi family held a 150-board Team Simul in Budapest, on 28 December 2025. All of them have a rating above 2000, Gellért is an IM (2412), Kata obtained her third WIM norm in December (2238), Luca has an Elo rating of 2064, and the youngest Bánk has an Elo rating of 2107.

All four siblings played on all boards, making consecutive moves one after the other, so they had to understand each other's thoughts in every game. Two players lost by forfeit, but on 148 boards the games were played all the way. After six hours, the Karácsonyi siblings won 109 games, drew 22 and lost only 17, although the opposition was not made up of beginners.

According to our research, no such Family Simul happened in the history of chess, featuring four siblings, such playing strength, so many boards and with such results. A good inspiration for chess families and a lively event for chess lovers in Budapest – hopefully to be continued.

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

Kata Karácsonyi

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Topics: Hungary, world record
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