Azat Kulzhanov

Azat Kulzhanov: The Relentless Chess Warrior

Meet Azat Kulzhanov, also known online as Mr_Azike, a chess player whose journey is as relentless as a queen on the board—darting, attacking, sometimes retreating, but always seeking victory. With a peak blitz rating of 961 in mid-2024 and a rapid rating touching 479 in early 2025, Azat is no stranger to the fast-paced dynamics of online chess.

Playing Style & Strengths

Azat embraces the chaos and charm of aggressive openings, with a penchant for the Scandinavian Defense and its spicy variations. His most successful blitz variation? The Alekhine’s Defense Scandinavian Variation, boasting a tasty 63% win rate—proving Azat’s knack for turning unconventional openings into winning weapons.

Not afraid to clash in rapid play either, Azat carefully balances control and flair, favoring solid pawn structures and tactical pushes mainly through Queen’s Pawn and Scandinavian openings. His Van Geet Opening in rapid games stands out, with over 61% wins, showing creativity even in less mainstream openings.

Competitive Record

The numbers tell an honest story: across blitz, rapid, and daily formats, Azat has engaged in over 1,000 games with nearly a 50% overall winning ratio. His blitz record dances on the edge with 122 wins to 123 losses, while rapid play serves as battlegrounds for thrilling close matches with 443 wins versus 430 losses.

The toughest opponents? Apparently AliefMalik—one of the rare names that deliver a checkmate-kiss of fate. But on the flip side, Azat has crushed many rivals with perfect win rates against players like WajehHaiSamay and Saanszz.

Psychological Fortitude & Quirks

While Azat’s tilt factor hovers at a spirited 8 (because who doesn’t occasionally flip the board in their head?), his comeback rate is an inspiring 62.5%, revealing a fighter’s heart. He bravely battles on even after losing a piece, with almost 40% win rate post such setbacks—talk about turning lemons into chess lemonade!

His best hour to strike? The cozy afternoon at 2 PM, when strategies click and tactics shine.

Memorable Victory

One of Azat’s recent masterpieces featured a precision checkmate against WajehHaiSamay on May 30, 2025. Employing a sharp Philidor Defense Exchange Variation, the endgame was a dazzling dance of queens, rooks, and pawns, culminating in a Rd8# checkmate that left spectators with popcorn-worthy admiration.

In a Nutshell

Azat Kulzhanov may still be climbing the mountains of chess mastery, but what he lacks in fairy-tale grandmaster glory, he more than makes up for with tenacity, opening creativity, and a stubborn refusal to resign early (average moves per win hovering over 53!). A true chess gladiator, Azat's profile is a blend of heart, hustle, and the occasional spectacular blunder—a combo that keeps every game exciting and every opponent on their toes.