About
Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi is a Russian chess grandmaster and two-time Russian Chess Champion. Known for his aggressive and tactical playing style, he is also the former World Blitz Chess Champion. He has won two consecutive Candidates Tournaments, earning the right to challenge the reigning World Chess Champion. Currently, he is Russia's highest ranked active chess player.
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Career Timeline
2010B$0.1M
Rising Chess Star
Early successes in chess tournaments.
2016B$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M
Russian Chess Champion
Wins Russian Chess Championship.
2020B$0.5M+$0.2M
World Blitz Champion
Becomes World Blitz Chess Champion.
2021A▲$1M+$0.5M
First Candidates Win
Wins Candidates, faces Carlsen.
2023A$3M+$2M
Second Candidates Win
Wins Candidates, faces Ding Liren.
2026A$5M+$2M
Chess World Contender
Continues to compete at the highest level.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026