Rustam Rustamov (ilqar_74): The FIDE Master Who Conquered Online Blitz
From FIDE Master to Online Heavyweight
Rustam Rustamov, better known on the board by the username ilqar_74, is a FIDE Master who has made online blitz his personal laboratory and playground. With more than 8,200 rated games logged, he has turned the digital chess arena into a proving ground for sharp opening preparation, relentless activity, and a fighting spirit that rarely fades.
The Road to the Elite Club
Rustam's blitz graph tells the story of a player who keeps finding another gear. Between 2023 and 2026, his rating curve climbed from the 1700s to a spectacular 3180 (2026-05-17) peak. That journey is best seen in full:
. Along the way, he collected an 18-game winning streak and regularly traded blows with strong opponents from all corners of the speed chess world.Opening Repertoire: 1.e4 and Friends
Watch Rustam's games and one thing stands out: he opens with 1.e4 almost without exception. As White, he scores heavily against the Caro-Kann Defense, while as Black he is completely at home in the sharpest lines of the Sicilian Defense, especially the Najdorf Variation and the Accelerated Dragon. His opening display below shows where the damage is done:
. His results are not built on tricks alone; 88% of his games reach the endgame, and his style stays dangerous long after the theory book ends.Rivalries and Big Tests
Online blitz is a small world at the top, and Rustam has played everyone. He faced Hikaru Nakamura (Hikaru Nakamura) 40 times, taking five wins from one of the most feared speed chess players in history. His most frequent dance partner was Allahverdi Hamidov, with 244 meetings and a healthy plus score. He has also clashed with strong online rivals like Oleksandr Bortnyk, proof that this FIDE Master seeks the toughest available opposition.
A Fighter Who Refuses to Fold
The data paints Rustam as a relentless competitor. His comeback rate sits above 93%, and even after losing a piece he still wins 54.4% of those games. With a white win rate of 57.9% and a black win rate of 53.1%, he is dangerous from both sides of the board. He fights for every point, drags opponents into long endgames, and keeps the clock as a weapon. For online blitz fans, Rustam Rustamov is a reminder that FIDE Master is just the start of the story.