Alexander Velikanov: The Bullet Chess Legend Known as LikeWater
Alexander Velikanov, better known online as LikeWater, is a FIDE International Master who turned bullet chess into his personal playground. With a peak Bullet rating of 3144, this speed demon has racked up thousands of games, proving that quick thinking beats slow pondering every time. His preferred time control is Bullet, where he thrives on chaos and caffeine.
Early Days and Rise to Mastery
Starting in 2014, Alexander honed his skills across formats but found his true calling in rapid-fire matches. Earning the International Master title from FIDE marked his breakthrough, blending tactical sharpness with an uncanny ability to outpace opponents. Funny fact: his longest winning streak hit 26 games, while a losing streak of 23 left him questioning if the board was rigged against him.
Signature Style and Favorite Openings
Alexander's playing style mixes aggressive attacks with solid defense, often favoring the Caro-Kann Defense and Sicilian Defense for their sneaky counterplay. He averages over 85 moves per game, turning endgames into marathons even in bullet mode.
highlights his steady climb to elite status.Notable Battles and Opponents
He's traded blows with chess stars like Daniel Naroditsky, where losses taught him the value of humility amid high-stakes Bullet wars. With a tilt factor of 23, Alexander keeps things lighthearted, often laughing off blunders that would crush lesser players.
Legacy in the Fast Lane
Today, LikeWater continues dominating leaderboards, inspiring a new generation to embrace speed over perfection. His record shows over 9,000 Bullet wins, making him a true icon of modern chess.