Oleksiy Solovchuk NM

Oleksiy Solovchuk (aka gross-aleks)

Also known as "gross-aleks" in the online chess realm, Oleksiy Solovchuk proudly holds the title of National Master, a testament to their dedication and skill in the game of kings. Oleksiy's chess journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, blazing with intense victories and the occasional humbling defeat, all navigated with a witty grin.

About Oleksiy

From the early days playing blitz at a humble rating of 931 to smashing through the 2700 barrier in 2024, Oleksiy's rating history reads like a novel filled with thrilling comebacks and strategic mastery. Their peak blitz rating of 2727 achieved in October 2024 puts them in the upper echelons of competitive chess, capable of making opponents sweat under time pressure.

Playing Style & Stats

Known for a high tactical awareness, Oleksiy boasts an impressive 84.14% comeback rate, meaning even if things look grim, this player rarely surrenders without a fight. The average game length leans towards the epic, with wins usually lasting around 81 moves—a marathon, not a sprint!

White pieces bring a slight edge with a 50.68% win rate, while Black still packs a punch at 47.69%. Early resignations are rare (just 2.35%!), revealing a resilient mindset unwilling to throw in the towel prematurely.

Favorite Openings

• Blitz: The English Opening, especially the Caro-Kann Defensive System, shines in Oleksiy’s repertoire with win rates above 55%.
• Bullet: Owens Defense and English Opening variations are battle-tested classics for Oleksiy, with solid win performances.
• Rapid: A mysterious "Top Secret" opening with a whopping 87.5% win rate keeps opponents guessing, along with reliable Scandinavian and Sicilian Defenses.

Notable Highlights

Oleksiy's longest winning streak is an eye-popping 22 games, proving the ability to dominate when in the zone. Yet, no one is perfect, as they're also familiar with an 18-game losing streak—a poetic reminder that even masters have off days.

Recent Triumph

In their latest blitz conquest against Egor_Pakhomov in April 2025, Oleksiy executed a clinical victory, showcasing mastery of the Tarrasch Defense and finishing the game dramatically with a resignation from the opponent after relentless pressure.

The Person Behind the Pieces

Rated as highly as 2700+, Oleksiy balances speedy bullet reflexes with deep rapid and blitz understanding. Off the board, this player probably laughs off losses, celebrates wins with a modest fist pump, and, most importantly, enjoys the madness that is competitive chess. They remind us all that even in a world ruled by calculation, a bit of humor and humility is the best opening move.