Ivan Sokolov GM

Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov - The Blitz Maestro

Ivan Sokolov, known online as vegasicilia, is a formidable Grandmaster with a flair for blazing fast chess battles. With a peak blitz rating soaring to an astonishing 2763 in March 2021, Ivan’s rapid-fire tactics leave opponents breathless and keyboards smoking.

Early Moves & Career Highlights

Starting his blitz journey around 2011 with a modest score (a humble 1437 rating), Ivan quickly catapulted into the upper echelons of the chess world. By 2016, he was dazzling with consistent performances near the 2500+ mark, always keeping his opponents on their toes with a winning streak that once hit a record-breaking 12 wins.

His peak rapid rating, though not as explosive as his blitz, still showcases a commendable top rating of 2092.

Playing Style

Ivan does not just play chess; he performs chess theater. Known for an impressive average of 72 moves per win, he grinds opponents down with endurance and patience, persistently outmaneuvering them in long, mesmerizing endgames. His endgame frequency is a notable 82.74%, proving that the real action often happens when fewer pieces remain on the board.

When the going gets tough, Ivan’s comeback skills shine — with an almost 90% success rate in bounces-back after a setback, and a cool 52% win rate after losing a piece, resilience is his middle name.

Psychological Warfare and Quirks

With a tilt factor of just 8%, Ivan appears to have nerves of steel—even when facing aggressive opponents or unfortunate blunders. Fun fact: his statistically best time to play is an unusual 4:00 AM, proving that some grandmasters are truly creatures of the night.

Contrary to what one might think, Ivan rarely throws in the towel prematurely—his early resignation rate is a mere 0.93%. He’s in it till the bitter end, battling opponents over every square.

Signature Openings & Opponents

Ivan’s secret weapon? An opening cleverly named "Top Secret" which he’s played over a thousand times with a respectable 53% win rate. He also enjoys dabbling in classics like the Ruy Lopez and Queen’s Gambit Declined—openings for those who appreciate strategic depth.

Amongst his many rivals, he’s played most often against nowaybacksasha (99 games!) and salem-ar, showcasing his extensive experience against familiar foes.

Latest Glorious Victory

In his most recent victory on May 10, 2025, Ivan, playing black, masterfully defeated The_Berserk_Musketeer with sharp play in the Four Knights Game Scotch Variation Accepted. Showing finesse and unrelenting pressure, Ivan forced his opponent to resign after 29 intense moves.

In Summary

Ivan Sokolov (vegasicilia) is not your average chess player; he’s a blitz storm with a grandmaster crown, known for mental toughness, enduring endgames, and an almost supernatural ability to stage comebacks. Opponents beware: whether it’s midnight or the ungodly hours of dawn, Ivan’s ready to make a move and keep you on the edge of your seat.