Evgenij Shuvalov CM

Evgenij Shuvalov - Candidate Master Extraordinaire

Evgenij Shuvalov, known in the chess world simply as Shuvalov, proudly carries the title of Candidate Master bestowed by FIDE — which basically means he's not just playing pawns; he's making them dance. This player's rating history reads like a thrilling novel, featuring a peak blitz rating soaring up to an impressive 2804 in May 2025. That's well beyond most casual players' dreams, somewhere in the "blitz wizard" territory.

Game Style and Strengths

Shuvalov's chess style is a fascinating concoction of patience and tactical sharpness. With an Endgame Frequency of nearly 60%, he doesn’t just attack — he finishes. His average moves per win hover around 49, showing a penchant for strategic play rather than quick tactical fireworks. When trailing, Shuvalov makes comebacks 55% of the time, proving he’s not the type to toss in the towel easily — although he does sometimes resign early (about 27% of the time), probably saving energy for the next thrilling match.

Performance Highlights

• Blitz Mastery: Over 17,000 blitz games played with a solid win rate just over 54%. Nearly 9,300 wins under his belt!
• Bullet Battles: Not just a blitz fan, Shuvalov is also skilled at bullet chess, reaching a peak bullet rating of 2551.
• Preferred Openings: While "Top Secret" remains his most played opening in blitz and bullet (because who wants to give away secrets?), he occasionally throws in classic defenses like the Queens Indian and Grunfeld to keep opponents on their toes.

Recent Memorable Battles

On June 3rd, 2025, Shuvalov teamed up with White pieces and dismantled his opponent LL220284LL in a long, strategic whirlwind of the King's Indian Defense, culminating in a noble resignation after 34 moves — the kind of game that sent spectators reaching for more coffee. Meanwhile, his recent losses show that even the best have their moments, such as a tough battle against GMaka where the game ended in resignation. It’s testimony to the intense competition at this level and the resilience required to thrive.

Fun Facts & Psychological Quirks

Shuvalov’s best time of day to unleash his inner chess beast? The quiet, mysterious hour of 3 AM — when most players are asleep, he’s calculating moves and probably humming a tune about knights and bishops. Beware opponents struggling with their coffee consumption at that witching hour!

He tends to perform a bit better on Thursdays and Fridays, suggesting a pre-weekend adrenaline surge or maybe just that the weekend vibes start early for this chess warrior. Also, after losing a piece, his win rate sits around 47%, proving he's a scrapper.

Summary

Evgenij Shuvalov is an enigmatic Candidate Master who blends classical strategy with modern blitz speed. Whether it's freezing opponents with precision in late-night marathons or employing secret opening weapons, Shuvalov’s chess journey is peppered with brilliance, tactical flair, and the occasional dramatic comeback. If you face him online, be prepared for a mental marathon where one slip could mean losing to a master who’s both quick and cunning — and maybe a little quirky.