Mark Kotliar (aka kot60)
FIDE Master and Blitz Aficionado
Mark Kotliar is not your everyday chess enthusiast — they are a proud FIDE Master with a deep love for the fast-paced chaos of blitz chess. While many players obsess over classical tournaments, Mark thrives where every second counts, expertly navigating the slippery waters of rapid calculations and lightning-fast tactics.
With a peak blitz rating soaring to an impressive 2613 in January 2025, Mark proves that speed and precision can go hand in hand. Their career tells a story of perseverance and passion, having played over 100,000 blitz games with a knack for comebacks, boasting a remarkable 87% comeback rate after losing a piece — because sometimes a little drama makes the game even sweeter!
Mark’s favorite battleground on the chessboard is often the Closed Sicilian Defense, where their tactical sharpness shines, achieving a stellar win rate exceeding 50%. When not charging down the Sicilian, Mark delights in mixing it up with the Ruy Lopez Morphy Defense and the Sicilian Bowdler Attack, keeping opponents guessing and scratching their heads.
Fun fact: Mark's opening moves often start with 1. e4, setting the tone for aggressive battles that can last over 60 moves on average when victorious! Their games aren’t just wins; they’re epic puzzles in motion — sometimes lasting over an hour if the clock allows.
Despite a fierce competitive streak, Mark’s psychological resilience is equally legendary. With an early resignation rate of less than 0.3% and a tilt factor of 16 (yes, even grandmasters have their moments), Mark knows when to fight and when to fold. Plus, their ideal playing hour is 8 AM — apparently, the best chess comes with a fresh cup of coffee and a mind sharp enough to slice through any defense.
Recent Battle Highlights
- On May 29, 2025, Mark claimed victory in a thrilling blitz duel against carlocapau, squeezing out a win in a tactical skirmish in the Closed Sicilian Defense where they masterfully transitioned into an endgame, forcing resignation at move 22. View Game
- Also on May 29, Mark outwitted antoninpd in a complex middlegame battle featuring the Closed Sicilian and a well-timed queen sacrifice, winning by resignation. View Game
Off the board, Mark's blend of rapid-fire tactics and strategic depth makes them a formidable opponent and an entertaining character — equally capable of dazzling you with a brilliant combination or humorously lamenting a blunder with good-natured sass. If you want to see a modern chess fighter who’s serious about their game, but never too serious to enjoy the ride, Mark Kotliar is your chess hero.