Mikhail Perelshteyn (MikePerelshteyn) — FIDE Master, Blitz Specialist
Mikhail Perelshteyn, often seen online as MikePerelshteyn, is a FIDE Master known for a razor sharp Blitz game and a taste for long, theatrical rapid fights. He rose from modest ratings in the 2010s to peak performances that turned heads, with a peak Blitz mark above 2500 and a Rapid peak over 2500 as well. Quick on the clock and fond of deep middlegame tussles, he blends calculation with a healthy dose of practical mischief.
Career highlights
- Earned the FIDE Master title and cemented a reputation as a top online Blitz force.
- Peak Blitz rating reached the 2560s in 2019, a period of heavy activity and many decisive games.
- Sustained Rapid strength into the 2500s with a peak in 2025, showing strong form across time controls.
- Long winning run and comeback ability make MikePerelshteyn a dangerous opponent even when behind on material.
Playing style and strengths
Mikhail is a tactical opportunist who prefers practical complications and endgames that test nerves. His record shows high endgame frequency and a willingness to grind long games. He recovers from setbacks with flair and converts advantages reliably.
- Preferred time control: Blitz — lightning fast decisions, pressure play, and surprise tactics.
- High Endgame Frequency and long average decisive game length, which hints at tenacity and technical stamina.
- Strong comeback rate and positive win rate after losing material.
Favorite openings
Mikhail keeps an eclectic book but returns again and again to a few reliable systems. He likes solid but flexible defenses as Black and sharp, unusual weapons with White.
- As Black in Blitz: the Caro-Kann Defense and its Classical and Exchange lines. See term: Caro-Kann Defense.
- As White in Blitz: the Hungarian Opening Wiedenhagen-Beta Gambit, which yields surprise value. See term: Hungarian Opening: Wiedenhagen-Beta Gambit.
- Reliable Rapid choices include the Four Knights Game Spanish Variation and the King’s Indian Attack.
Records and rivalries
Online rivalries are part of the lore. Mikhail has faced several opponents repeatedly and holds a strong record against his most common foe.
- Most played opponent: daviyun with many encounters and plenty of drama. Profile: daviyun.
- Notable head to head successes include clean records versus a handful of regulars and a deep experience pool against top blitzers.
Memorable games and examples
A short sample game to show Mikhail's taste for classical development followed by active play. Open the full replay to enjoy the subtleties.
- Sample PGN viewer: .
- Replay one of the recent clashes versus a top rival: Show game.
Stats snapshot and fun facts
Numbers tell part of the story. Mikhail mixes marathon rapid games with bolt-from-the-blue blitz finishes. Here are a few items fans mention when describing his play.
- Peak Blitz and Rapid form shown across 2019 through 2026. Quick rating chart: .
- Top recorded Blitz peak: 2563 (2019-01-01).
- Top recorded Rapid peak: 2519 (2025-05-04).
- Favorite time to strike: late night hour around midnight. Best time of day to play listed as 00:00.
- Fun note: Mikhail averages long wins and even longer losses, which means he will toy with you before the knockout or the dramatic rescue.
How to follow
If you want to study his typical lines, pick your poison from the Caro-Kann or the Hungarian gambits. For live matches, search for MikePerelshteyn and enjoy the blitz fireworks.
- Look up recent opponents and games for pattern study. Sample opponent profile: daviyun.