Evgenij Lesovoi (L1m96) - FIDE Master Extraordinaire
Evgenij Lesovoi, known online as L1m96, is a formidable FIDE Master whose chess journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride through the realms of blitz and bullet chess. With a playful yet fiercely competitive spirit, Evgenij has danced across the 64 squares, accumulating a résumé that screams dedication, skill, and a touch of mischief.
Rising Through the Ranks
Starting modestly with blitz ratings around 1700, Evgenij turbocharged his way up to a thunderous peak blitz rating of 2805 in May 2025 — that's just shy of a GM level in rapid time controls! And if bullet chess is your thing, brace yourself: his peak bullet rating soared to an electrifying 2962. These numbers aren’t just ratings; they’re a testament to his lightning-fast tactical awareness and fearless style.
Playing Style & Wit
Lesovoi’s style mixes stubborn resilience with tactical brilliance. He’s known for a comeback rate of over 78% and a willingness to battle long endgames — a whopping 75% of his games reach those tense, nerve-wracking final stages. Chess fatigue? Not on his watch. Though he occasionally succumbs to the infamous “tilt” (a modest 12 on the tilt factor scale), his clever positional play and readiness to embrace complex openings keep opponents guessing.
Opening Secrets
Evgenij prefers to cloak his strategies under a veil of mystery, excelling with his so-called "Top Secret" openings in blitz, boasting a comfortable 56% win rate. Not surprisingly, Caro-Kann Defense fans take note—their trusty defense shines in his hands with an impressive success rate exceeding 70%. From the Catalan to King's Indian Defense, his repertoire is rich and varied.
Online Duel Highlights
With hundreds of online battles fought, he has amassed over 600 wins in both blitz and bullet. His most recent victories exhibit a cool composure, with wins secured by time and tactical checkmates against talented challengers. Not just a grinder, Evgenij’s games often end with potent combinations that leave the chessboard — and his opponents — in awe.
The Man Behind the Moves
While the chessboard reveals Evgenij's focused and precise mind, the numbers hint at a cheeky grin hidden behind the screen. His streaks include a nightmarish 19-win winning streak and a humbling 12-game losing streak, proving even FIDE Masters have their bad hair days. Playing best around midnight (his declared best time to play), he navigates time scrambles like a ninja in pajamas.
Summing it Up...
FIDE Master Evgenij Lesovoi is the kind of player who blends hard work, humor, and hustle into a lethal chess concoction. Whether hitting dizzying bullet speeds or methodically grinding in blitz, he proves that mastery isn’t just about winning—it’s about making every game an adventure. As L1m96 continues to surprise and captivate fans worldwide, one thing is certain: when Evgenij sits at the board, the game is never boring!
"Chess is 99% tactics," he might say — and with a bullet rating nearing 3000, he’s clearly got that 99% locked down. Just watch out for his sly traps and those last-second blitz tricks!