Meet Dmitriy Kushko, the International Master Behind Mops_2004
Dmitriy Kushko, better known by his online handle Mops_2004, is an International Master (IM), a title earned from FIDE. His username may sound like a fluffy dog, but his play has real teeth. While his preferred time control is Rapid, his true statistical playground has been blitz, where he has piled up more than 27,000 games and counting.
From Gritty Grinder to Titled Terror
Kushko's online journey took off in 2018, and he quickly became one of the most prolific players on the platform. His rating climbed steadily through the years, eventually peaking at a staggering 3029 (2026-06-25) in online blitz, while his Rapid form has also sparkled, including a flawless 5-0 run in June2025. He does not just play chess; he marathons it.
Playing Style: The 6 a.m. Raider
Kushko is at his most dangerous when the rest of the world is still asleep. His best winning percentage arrives around 6 a.m., suggesting his brain runs on an internal chess clock. As Black, he leans on the Caro-Kann Defense as a favorite fortress, wheeling it out more than a thousand times. As White, he favors the King's Indian Attack, a setup that quietly squeezes opponents without flashy fireworks. He also enjoys the English Opening and the Colle System, turning games into long, grindy endgames. In fact, over 85 percent of his games reach the endgame, and his average contest stretches past80 moves. Even when he loses a piece, he refuses to fade: he wins about46 percent of those games and boasts a comeback rate near88 percent. His one-sided loss rate is under1 percent, so when he loses, he usually makes someone work for it.
Familiar Faces: Rivalries That Define Him
With such a massive game count, Kushko has naturally collected a rogues' gallery of regular opponents. His most frequent dance partner, Alexey Jarovinsky, has faced him 273 times, with the series staying fiercely competitive. Another repeat customer, Kevin Bordi, has logged165 meetings. And against Evandro Amorim Barbosa, Kushko holds the bragging rights, winning53 oftheir85 clashes. These rivalries are the bread and butter of his online chess life.
By the Numbers
For the statistically curious, here is a taste of what makes Kushko tick:
- Longest winning streak: 14 straight wins
- Longest losing streak: 16 straight losses, because even grinders hit traffic
- Endgame frequency: over85 percent, so bring snacks
- Most common checking piece: the rook, obviously
- Peak Rapid rating: 2418 (2025-06-20)
His blitz journey has been anything but boring: