Mikhail Popov - International Master
Meet Mikhail Popov, affectionately known in the chess circles as popov_m,
a wizard of the 64 squares who earned the distinguished title of International Master from FIDE.
With a razor-sharp mind and a penchant for lightning-fast bullet games, Mikhail has danced through chess ranks
with a style as unpredictable as a knight’s hop.
Rating Journey
Mikhail’s blitz rating skyrocketed from a modest 1346 in 2013 all the way to an impressive peak of 2745 in 2017, showcasing a meteoric rise fueled by fierce competition and endless dedication.
His bullet games? A rollercoaster too, with a top rating touching 2662 in 2018 — fast enough to make your head spin. Daily chess might be a quieter cottage in his cottage industry of chess, but even there he maintains a perfect win streak in some years, proving versatility.
Playing Style & Psychology
Known for his patience with an average of about 78 moves per win, Mikhail thrives in long battles, favoring the intricate dance of the endgame which he reaches over 83% of the time — a true testament to his love of cerebral warfare over shortcuts.
Not one to give up, he boasts an outstanding 89.4% comeback rate and an astonishing 97.6% win rate after losing a piece. In other words, if you think you’ve rattled him, prepare for a counter-blow.
Record & Rivalries
With 386 blitz wins and over 650 bullet wins, Mikhail is a force to be reckoned with. He has faced a phalanx of opponents, from seasoned veterans to relentless new challengers, and his favorite hunting grounds have included victories over the likes of meoluoi91 and 99simooon, who seem to provide him with either undying love or eternal torment.
Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak? An eye-popping 16 games, enough to make any opponent sweat.
- Best day to challenge Mikhail? Friday, when his win rate hits a sizzling 62.6%.
- Beware: He’s a chess player who does not take early resignations lightly, with a low early resignation rate of only 3.6%.
In summary, Mikhail Popov’s chess career is a thrilling ride of tactical brilliance, stubborn resilience, and a chessboard personality that’s as intriguing as the legendary games he’s played. If you find yourself across the board from him, you’d better bring your A-game, your patience, and maybe a coffee — because the game will be anything but boring.
