Former Ian Nepomniachtchi coach Nikita Vitiugov described Nepo in a podcast with Perpetual Chess. Vitiugov says that the best chess players must have a game element, and cites Ian as an example. Nikita notes that every game matters to Nepo and he cannot stand losing them.

Nikita Vitiugov

Nikita Vitiugov

English GM

“Ultimately, chess is a game. There is this game element. And the best players, the creme de la creme of our world, they definitely have it. It’s impossible to succeed without it.

I’m not being modest, of course, I do have it as well. But again, it’s very difficult to compare yourself with that level. For example, Ian is different. He can’t stand losing.

Whatever he’s playing, he likes. Every game matters, everything matters. And he gives his all.”

English GM Nikita Vitiugov coached and served as a second for Ian Nepomniachtchi from 2020 until 2024. Vitiugov trained Nepo for the FIDE World Championship Matches 2021 and 2023, and the Candidates Tournaments 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Credit: Lennart Ootes