Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi, born July 14, 1990, stands as one of the world's elite chess performers and a two-time challenger for the world championship. This Russian super grandmaster has demonstrated exceptional prowess across multiple time formats, particularly in rapid and blitz chess, where his aggressive and creative attacking style proves highly effective.​ Nepomniachtchi's most prestigious achievements include winning consecutive Candidates Tournaments in 2020-21 and 2022, earning him championship challenges against Magnus Carlsen in 2021 and Ding Liren in 2023. Though both World Championship matches resulted in narrow defeats—falling 7.5-3.5 to Carlsen and in tiebreaks to Ding—his performances cemented his status among chess's elite.​ In December 2024, Nepomniachtchi achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2024 World Blitz Chess Championship (shared with Magnus Carlsen), marking his first world title across classical, rapid, or blitz formats. This victory showcased his mastery in time-scramble scenarios, where his creative tactical acumen gives him a competitive edge.​ Currently ranked 14th globally with a FIDE rating of 2742 as of November 2025, Nepomniachtchi maintains world-class ratings in both rapid (2762, #4) and blitz (2802, #4) formats. His peak classical rating of 2795 (March 2023) ranks him #16 all-time. Beyond chess, Nepomniachtchi has won two Russian Championships and a silver medal at the 2014 World Blitz Championship before his recent triumph, further establishing his legacy as one of modern chess's most versatile and resilient competitors.​