The Swiss chess community has reason to celebrate: two remarkable titles bring international recognition to Switzerland. Gundula Heinatz Bürki wins gold at the European Senior Women’s Championship, and Volker Hergert earns the World Championship in Chess Composing (Miniatures) 2022–2024.
As proud sponsors of the Swiss Chess Association since 2024, we at Rockstar Recruiting warmly congratulate both champions for their exceptional achievements and continued dedication to the game. ♟️
🏆 Gundula Heinatz Bürki: A Crown on a Brilliant Career
With gold in the Over-50 category at the European Senior Women’s Championship in Rabac, Croatia, Gundula Heinatz Bürki adds yet another highlight to her long list of achievements.
The 56-year-old Swiss national player from Thun — WIM (Woman International Master) — has been one of the leading figures in Swiss and German chess for decades. Her titles include:
- Swiss Champion in 2014 and 2018
- East German Youth Champion in 1987
- Last East German Champion in 1990
- German Cup Winner in 1994
- German Team Champion in 1995
Her latest success in Rabac — narrowly secured in a tight race — marks a perfect continuation of this incredible journey. Read more on the Swiss Chess Federation website.
🌍 Volker Hergert: World Champion in Chess Composing
Switzerland can also celebrate a world champion! Volker Hergert won the World Championship in Composing of Miniatures (studies and problems with a maximum of seven pieces) 2022–2024.
The 62-year-old, originally from Germany and now a Swiss citizen living in Jona, triumphed in the highly competitive “Studies” category with 20½ points, just ahead of Russia’s Sergei Osinzew (20) and Germany’s Martin Minski (19). His creativity and precision once again underline Switzerland’s growing strength in both over-the-board and composing disciplines. Read more on the Swiss Chess Federation site.
♟️ Rockstar Recruiting x Swiss Chess
Since 2024, Rockstar Recruiting has been a proud sponsor of the Swiss Chess Association, supporting national championships and initiatives that promote strategic thinking, analytical skills, and focus — qualities that are equally vital in technology, research, and recruitment.
We believe chess embodies what makes great tech and innovation teams successful: calm strategy, foresight, and precision under pressure. Congratulations once again to Gundula and Volker for representing Swiss excellence on the international stage!
