Velislav Kukov (aka Velis23)
International Master | Blitz Maestro Extraordinaire
Meet Velislav Kukov, a chess warrior with the prestigious title of International Master bestowed by FIDE. Known in the chess realm as Velis23, Velislav has over the years turned countless blitz battles into stunning victories, proving that lightning-fast moves and deep strategic insight are not mutually exclusive.
With a blitz peak rating soaring to an impressive 2651 in January 2025, Velislav has mastered the art of thinking several moves ahead even when the clock ticks away mercilessly. His gameplay is a beautiful dance between patience and aggression, averaging nearly 77 moves per win, showing endurance alongside speed.
His rapid chess skills are no joke either — peaking at 2508 — and while bullet games might be his occasional playground, his blitz performances are what truly make him a formidable force. Having played over 7,926 blitz games with a solid win rate around 50.66%, Velislav clearly enjoys the thrill of quick calculations and sharp tactics.
Playing Style & Mental Toughness
- Excellent at endgames, appearing in 85% of his matches — a true grinder until the very end.
- Prepared to make a comeback, boasting a comeback rate of nearly 87% — never counts himself out.
- Known for his cool-headed approach, with a tilt factor of just 8, Velislav rarely lets emotions cloud his judgment.
- Prefers to reserve early resignation for truly hopeless situations — only 0.37% of games.
Fun Fact
If you think chess players only get better with age, Velislav is a shining example: starting with a blitz rating of 1374 in 2014, he steadily climbed the ranks to a sharp 2600+ rating, all while adeptly handling time pressure and threatening his opponents’ kings from all angles. He even sports a secret weapon opening aptly nicknamed "Top Secret," which has netted him thousands of games, wins, and a reputation for keeping opponents guessing!
Recent Highlights
Just in May 2025, Velislav secured a thrilling blitz victory in a Caro-Kann Defense battle against Nemus7, winning by time with some precision moves — demonstrating that even when the clock is the enemy, it’s still all about the moves on the board.
Sure, like any grandmaster, he has his share of losses, but Velislav's strategic resilience and fast reflexes keep him bouncing back stronger and faster. Whether it’s a checkmate or a crafty time win, this International Master plays to win, making every game a story worth telling.