Who is Daniil Rakitin
Daniil Rakitin is a rising chess talent known for sharp blitz battles and thoughtful endgame technique. A titled player, he earned the FIDE Candidate Master title and has become a familiar name in fast time controls where nerves and imagination duel on every board. In online and over-the-board scenes, he blends tactical flair with solid fundamentals, often turning seemingly quiet positions into sparkling finishes.
Career highlights
His aggressive blitz play has yielded moments of breakthrough, with peak blitz performances catching attention in mid-2025. Notably, he reached a peak Blitz rating around 3025 in July 2025 and a peak Bullet rating near 3034 around the same period. His long-running streaks reflect a persistent drive, including a noteworthy 18-win run in blitz events. He is also celebrated for his resilience, balancing rapid-fire attacks with patience when the position demands it.
Playing style and openings
Rakitin favors Blitz, where his quick instincts and deep preparation shine. His repertoire in fast games includes an array of dynamic systems and sharp gambits. Notable openings in his recent Blitz results include:
- Colle System: Rhamphorhynchus Variation
- Amar Gambit
- King's Indian Attack
- Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Classical Variation
- Scandinavian Defense and related lines
He also records strong results in several flexible defenses and aggressive sidelines, adapting his choices to the tempo and opponent’s setup.
Profile and ongoing journey
Beyond titles and peak ratings, Daniil’s profile paints a picture of sustained activity and growth. He has logged hundreds of high-intensity games across 2024 and 2025, with a particular emphasis on Blitz and Bullet formats. Fans and fellow players note his strategic depth, timely improvisation, and a tendency to press advantages when the time control compresses the decision space.
For a closer look at his recent activity and career trajectory, you can view the profile placeholder here: Daniil Rakitin.
Fun fact
His approach to the clock is as much a mental game as the board, turning even drawish positions into entertaining stalemates of wit and courage.