Erdem Khubukshanov IM

Erdem Khubukshanov (aka Hatsummei)

Meet Erdem Khubukshanov, an International Master who’s been quietly storming the chessboards since the dawn of the digital era (or at least since 2020). Known by the username “Hatsummei” online, Erdem combines strategic genius with a pinch of sly humor — because who said chess can't be fun?

Starting from humble beginnings with a blitz rating hovering around 1600 in early 2020, Erdem’s journey catapulted to breathtaking heights, smashing the 3000 mark in blitz ratings by 2025. Not one to be confined by a single time control, Erdem boasts a bullet peak rating of 2701 and a rapid rating cresting nearly 2930. If there were badges for versatility, Erdem would wear them all.

With a relentless winning spirit, Erdem once enjoyed a winning streak of 14 games — that’s over a dozen victorious battles of wit and calculation before opponents could even blink. Although some unlucky moments led to losing streaks (hey, even chess masters have their off days), the comeback rate is a staggering 88%, showcasing a fighter’s heart and the resilience of a true blitz battler.

Erdem’s playing style could be summarized as patient but ambitious, often engaging in long, tension-filled endgames (playing on average more than 80 moves per game). The white pieces bring a bit more luck, with over 52% win rate, but don’t discount the black side — Erdem also wins almost 47% of those games. Early resignations are rare — a mere 0.19% — proving that giving up is simply not in the vocabulary.

Tactical awareness is another of Erdem’s strong suits: they turn adversity into advantage with nearly half of the games won after losing a piece, making Erdem the kind of player who can reverse fortunes and frustrate even the sharpest attackers.

When it comes to openings, Erdem keeps opponents guessing. Classics like the Sicilian Nyezhmetdinov Rossolimo and the King’s Indian Defense in the Fianchetto Debrecen variation have been wielded with precision — the very strategies that have brought many victories (and the occasional checkmate to seal the deal). Oh, and that famous “Top Secret” opening? Played over 3,449 times — a mystery your opponents better not try to crack.

Off the board, Erdem’s known for a modest tilt factor (9 out of 100), meaning even in those nail-biting blitz finishes, composure reigns supreme. Plus, statistically, midnight chess sessions (the magical 00:00 hour) might just be Erdem’s secret weapon.

Recent Highlights

• Victory over Markov_Mikhail on 2025-05-23 in an epic King’s Indian Defense battle, winning on time after a fierce endgame.
• Crushing win against TopGeahr on 2025-05-22 employing the solid and sneaky Caro-Kann Defense Advance Botvinnik Variation.
• Triumph over ShazilTheGOAT2006 using the nimble Reti Opening Nimzowitsch Larsen Attack, a chess performance that had many nodding in approval.

In short: Erdem Khubukshanov, aka Hatsummei, is a chess maestro with the skill to dominate various time controls and the strategic depth to keep fans and foes alike always on their toes. With a rating that rivals the gods of the game and a style that blends patience, resilience, and unexpected tactical fireworks, this International Master is always ready to press “Start” on another epic clash.