Nodirbek Abdusattorov commented on his victory at the Tata Steel Masters 2026 in an interview with the tournament organizers on February 1. Nodirbek noted that winning this tournament was his dream since childhood and that the path to this victory was very long for him.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Uzbek GM

“I just told myself: ‘don’t let it slip this year!’ I gave it everything I had, every last bit of my resource. I am speechless now because, firstly, I feel a huge sense of relief, and secondly, incredible happiness. I can’t express my happiness with words.

It was a long way for me. Every time I was close to winning, and year after year I fell short. And finally, I managed to win this tournament — and in very good style, too. It’s one of the highlights of my career so far.

I dreamed of winning this tournament since I was a kid, and now my dream has come true. I can’t express it…”

The Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026 took place in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands from January 17 to February 1. Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored 6 wins and 6 draws to win the tournament with 9/13 points. Abdusattorov has previously competed in Wijk aan Zee three times, finishing 2nd in 2023, 0.5 points behind, 3rd after losing on tiebreakers in 2024, and 3rd, 0.5 points behind in 2025.

Credit: Lennart Ootes/Tata Steel Chess