Nikolai Kushch IM

Nikolai Kushch - The International Master Extraordinaire

Nikolai Kushch, known in the chess circles as Kushch_Nikolai, is an International Master recognized by FIDE and a formidable blitz player on the global chessboard. With a blitz rating that skyrocketed from a promising 1436 in 2023 to an impressive 2538 by 2025, Nikolai’s rise has been nothing short of a chess thriller.

Imagine a player who not only wins nearly 60% of his blitz games but also can boast a longest winning streak of 19 games — yes, 19! This guy beats the clock and opponents alike, proving that lightning-fast thinking and nerves of steel aren't just clichés.

Known for his tactical acumen, Nikolai has a comeback rate of nearly 92% and, intriguingly, a 100% win rate after losing a piece—talk about turning lemons into checkmates! His opponents might think they've snagged a free pawn, only to realize it was the beginning of their own downfall.

When it comes to psychological resilience, Nikolai keeps his tilt factor low (a calm 7 out of 10), although given his rapid ascent, it’s understandable if a blip here or there sneaks in. His love for the endgame is evident — he dives into endgames in almost 85% of his matches, playing long battles that average around 77 moves, showing patience most blitz players can only dream of.

Timing is everything, and Nikolai seems to have a secret schedule for success: Sundays and Saturdays are his lucky days with win rates hovering around 60-68%, but it’s the early morning (4-5 AM) and late evening (9 PM) hours where he really shines, boasting win percentages as high as 80% and even a mythical 100% at 4 AM—clearly, some chess demons roam after midnight.

Not to be underestimated, Nikolai’s black pieces win nearly 59% of the time, proving he’s not just a white-side strategist but a versatile maestro regardless of color. His frequent opponents know him as a tough challenge, but his friendly win rates often show a sportsman who respects the game — but never the clock!

In short, Nikolai Kushch is a blitz aficionado with the heart of a lion and the mind of a grandmaster in training. Whether clock ticking or not, expect sparks and brilliant moves when he’s on the board.