Why compare Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen?

Nepomniachtchi has faced Magnus Carlsen in multiple high-stakes matches, including the World Chess Championship, where he challenged for the title in 2021 and 2023.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Key numbers

  • FIDE Rating2733 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2795 (March 2023)
  • Current RankingNo. 17 (June 2026)
  • Peak RankingNo. 2 (February 2023)

Top honours

  • World Blitz Chess co-champion2024, alongside Magnus Carlsen
  • Two-time Russian Chess Champion2010 and 2020
  • European Individual Champion2010
  • Tal Memorial winner2016
  • Aeroflot Open winner2008, 2015, 2025, and 2026
VS

Magnus Carlsen

Key numbers

  • World Championship Titles5
  • World Rapid Titles6
  • World Blitz Titles9
  • FIDE Ratings2841 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2882 (May 2014)

Top honours

  • World Chess Champion2013 – 2023
  • World Rapid Chess ChampionSix-time champion
  • World Blitz Chess ChampionNine-time champion
  • FIDE Freestyle Chess World ChampionReigning champion
  • Highest FIDE Rating2882 (May 2014)