Avatar of Ian Nepomniachtchi

Ian Nepomniachtchi GM

lachesisQ Moscow Since 2016 (Active) Chess.com ♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟
56.4%- 29.1%- 14.5%
Daily 1008 1W 0L 0D
Rapid 2810 130W 63L 111D
Blitz 3224 4481W 2247L 1078D
Bullet 3088 270W 211L 67D

Early life

Ian Nepomniachtchi was born on July 14, 1990, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia). He earned the FIDE Grandmaster title in 2008 at age 17 and quickly established himself as one of the top talents of his generation, known for precise calculation and tireless preparation on the road to the world stage.

World Championship journey

His breakout came when he won the FIDE Candidates Tournament in 2020–21, earning the right to challenge for the World Championship. He faced Ding Liren in the 2023 title match, where Ding edged ahead in a dramatic contest. Nepomniachtchi remains a perennial top contender, balancing classical events with a vibrant online presence.

Blitz and streaming

Nepomniachtchi is celebrated as a blitz specialist and a popular streamer, bringing his high-speed chess insights to fans worldwide. His peak Blitz rating is captured in public records as a high-water mark 3248 (2025-07-25). A visual trajectory is available via

Blitz Rating201620172018201920202021202220232024202532232707YearBlitz Rating
. His preferred time control is Blitz, where he thrives on fast, razor-sharp decision making.

Opening style and notable encounters

In Blitz, Nepomniachtchi favors sharp, ambitious lines. His opening performance highlights strong results with several top systems, including:

  • Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation — 364 games, Wins 229, Losses 99, Draws 36 (WinRate 62.91%)
  • Caro-Kann Defense — 330 games, Wins 202, Losses 84, Draws 44 (WinRate 61.21%)
  • Nimzo-Larsen Attack — 166 games, Wins 104, Losses 37, Draws 25 (WinRate 62.65%)
  • French Defense: Winawer and related lines — notable results in practical play

Among his frequent opponents are top players such as Hikaru Nakamura and Daniel Naroditsky, reflecting a long history of battles on the world stage.

Legacy and personality

Off the board, Nepomniachtchi is known for his approachable, humorous style and relentless dedication to chess. He blends elite competition with a lively online persona, helping to inspire a new generation of players to study the classics while enjoying fast-paced games in streams and tournaments alike.

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