Player Profile: Ian Nepomniachtchi

Full Name: Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi

Peak FIDE Rating: 2757

Active Since: Early 2000s

Federation: Russia

Player’s Description:

Ian Nepomniachtchi, a Russian chess grandmaster, was born on July 14, 1990, in Bryansk, Russia. His passion for chess began at a very early stage of his childhood. He started playing chess at the age of four; his first coach was Valentin Evdokimenko, who trained him until he was 13 years old. 

Fortunate to have a supportive family, his parents recognized his talent and provided resources to foster his growth. Also, being born and raised in Russia, where chess culture runs deep, it was not difficult for him to step into the world of professional chess. 

Beginning to participate in various tournaments at a young age helped him to adapt and improve, setting a strong foundation for his later stage of his career. His natural talent, relentless work ethic, and guidance from expert coaches push him to go further. 

Ian Nepomniachtchi earned the title of Grandmaster (GM) in 2007. As of June 2025, his current classical rating is 2757, and he is ranked 10th in the world. His rapid rating is 2762, and his blitz rating is 2809.

He is known for his aggressive and dynamic playing style. His ability to handle complex positions with profound understanding has made him one of the top players in the world.

Career Scorecard:

• World Championship Cycle Appearances:

  • 2021: Challenged Magnus Carlsen for the World Chess Championship but lost.

  • 2023: Faced Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship but lost in tiebreaks.

• National Championships:

  • Russian Chess Champion (2010, 2020)

• Olympiad Medals:

  • World Team Chess Championship Winner (2013, 2019)

  • European Team Chess Championship Winner (2015)

• Tournaments Won:

• European Individual Chess Championship (2010)

• Tal Memorial (2016)

• Aeroflot Open (2008, 2015, 2025)

• World Blitz Chess Championship (2024, shared with Magnus Carlsen)

• European Youth Chess Championship in 2000 and 2001 in the U10 category

• Silver medalist in the FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship (2022). 

3 major games of his career

• Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Magnus Carlsen (World Championship 2021, Game 4)

In the beginning Nepomniachtchi played 1.e4, responding to which Carlsen used the Petrov Defense, a solid but slightly passive choice. 

Slowly moving to a balance game, where both the players play strategically, avoiding any major mistake. There was a technical end, as both the player’s queens were sacrificed early. Though Carlsen tried to put pressure on Nepomniachtchi, he demonstrated excellent defensive technique.

After accurate play from both sides, the game ended in a draw, with neither player able to break through. It was a tense, high-level battle, showcasing deep preparation and strategic mastery.

• Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Anish Giri (FIDE Candidates Tournament 2021)

In the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2021, Ian Nepomniachtchi faced Anish Giri in a crucial game that helped solidify his lead in the tournament. 

Giri, with an aim for a positional advantage, stated it solidly, which Nepomniachtchi defended with the Grunfeld defense technique.  The game quickly became complicated, with both players maneuvering for control of the center. Nepomniachtchi found a strong knight maneuver, putting pressure on Giri’s position. As the game moved towards the end, Nepomniachtchi capitalized on Giri’s inaccuracies, gaining a decisive advantage.Giri attempted to hold the position, but Nepomniachtchi’s active pieces forced him to lose the game. 

• Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

In the GTC Croatia 2019, Round 9, Ian Nepomniachtchi faced Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in a thrilling encounter. Nepomniachtchi, playing Black, opted for the King’s Indian Defense against Mamedyarov’s solid moves, aiming for a positional advantage. Nepomniachtchi found a strong knight maneuver, putting pressure on Mamedyarov’s position. Mamedyarov attempted to hold the position, but Nepomniachtchi’s active pieces forced him into a losing endgame.