Ian Nepomniachtchi | when everything is broken

Ian Nepomniachtchi's chess career is marked by both brilliance and heartbreak. While his aggressive playing style has earned him respect and victories, he's also faced some crushing defeats. The most notable was the 2021 World Chess Championship against Magnus Carlsen. After a promising start, Nepomniachtchi inexplicably crumbled under pressure, losing several winning positions with blunders. This ultimately led to a dominant win for Carlsen. In 2023, he seemed poised to redeem himself, even taking the lead after a dramatic Game 7 against Ding Liren in the Candidates Tournament. However, he couldn't maintain momentum and ultimately lost the chance to challenge Carlsen again. Most recently, Nepomniachtchi suffered another setback in the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, failing to qualify for the World Championship match after being outplayed by the rising star, Gukesh. These losses showcase Nepomniachtchi's immense talent but also highlight his struggles with pressure and maintaining focus in high-stakes situations.