Sofiia Hryzlova - Woman International Master
Meet Sofiia Hryzlova, a force to be reckoned with on the chessboard and a proud holder of the Woman International Master title awarded by FIDE. With a chess career that reads like an epic novel — filled with dazzling victories, the occasional humbling defeat, and a whole lot of strategic flair — Sofiia embodies the relentless spirit of a true competitor.
Rising Through the Ranks
Starting as a fledgling blitz player in 2018 with ratings in the 1300s, Sofiia’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of dramatic. She conquered the blitz scene with a peak rating soaring to an astonishing 2539 in early 2025. Along the way, she has maintained an enviable bullet peak rating of 2409 and a rapid peak above 2000, proving her versatility across formats.
Playing Style & Personality
Sofiia is not just about brute force; her style balances patience and tactical sharpness — an average winning game lasts around 75 moves, showcasing her endurance and precision. Known for her impressive comeback rate (over 85%!), she’s the kind of player who never throws in the towel without a fight. Her psychological resilience keeps tilt factors at bay, although even Sofiia has her bad days!
Favorite Openings & Signature Moves
Ever mysterious with her “Top Secret” opening repertoire, Sofiia spices up her games with elegant choices like the Bird’s Opening (100% win rate in blitz) and solid favorites like the Kings Indian Attack and Caro-Kann Defense. Whether advancing with a fiery pawn push or quietly maneuvering knights, she keeps opponents guessing — and often in checkmate.
Memorable Moments
One of her latest triumphs was a breathtaking checkmate victory using the Reti Opening with the King's Indian Attack, brilliantly outwitting her opponent ErMiticoJonny in just 23 moves. With 934 blitz wins and an impressive number of streaks that include a 16-game winning spree, Sofiia’s record reveals a player who combines tenacity with chess magic.
Off the Board
When not storming chess servers or studying new opening theory, Sofiia is probably sharpening her mental stamina or planning the next great tournament upset. Her resilience, strategic mind, and a pinch of humor make her a beloved figure in online and over-the-board chess circles alike.
Keep an eye on Sofiia Hryzlova — the chessboard queen who’s just getting started and proving that wit, grit, and a killer endgame are a winning combo!
Ready for your challenge? Just beware: she’s been known to deliver checkmate with a smile.