OSG Baden-Baden’s Two-Decade Reign in German Chess

For two decades, OSG Baden-baden has been the dominant force in the German bundesliga, thanks to the support of Baden-Badener Grenke AG. The team consistently fields a lineup drawn from the world’s top-ranked players. With 16 titles since the 2005/06 season,OSG holds the record for championship wins. Though, in the last two years, SC Viernheim and SK Düsseldorf have broken their winning streak, with SG Solingen achieving a similar feat back in 2015/16.

The 2025/26 season promises another world-class lineup. This is crucial, as SC Viernheim presents a serious challenge for the title. Regrettably, SK Düsseldorf has fallen from contention after losing its sponsor following their championship win.

Unlike many other sports, chess Bundesliga players aren’t full-time employees of their clubs. They often compete in other leagues and tournaments. With prize money for top players skyrocketing in recent years, Bundesliga clubs struggle to compete with scheduling conflicts and must frequently enough concede when players have other commitments.

German club chess championships typically feature teams of eight players. However, OSG Baden-Baden recently competed with only seven players during both match days in an away game against Heimbach-Weis-Neuwied.

This situation creates difficulties for all involved. The club releasing a player automatically forfeits a point on that board and faces a fine. The opposing team receives a non-combat point on that board,but…