The Strongest National Master In the World
The National Master (NM) is the first title in the chain of chess titles.
Some can argue that the Candidate Master (CM) and Woman FIDE Master (WFM) are almost equivalent to an NM. I will not enter this merit, as it is not the object of this article.
Anyway, I see a considerable amount of NMs playing regularly on chess.com. But, in this group, who is the strongest?
Well, I will share just my personal opinion, ranking the strongest NMs in the world, considering just the ones who regularly play on this site.
I would like to add that seeing the number one of this ranking playing inspired me in writing this article.
So, shall we start?!
Number 3
NM Ivan Mesquita (Brasil) @GoncalvesI
Fide Classical rating: 2237
Blitz peak rating on chess.com: 2786
Bullet peak rating on chess.com: 2916
Besides being strong in all chess playing rhythms, Ivan is especially recognized in Blitz for a long time ago. I can say that because I know him personally for a long time and we were teammates in some competitions here in Brazil (almost no one dared to challenge him in blitz while we were resting between the rounds).
For instance, in 2016 he finished in 15th place in the American Continental Blitz Tournament realized in Argentina, ahead of 3 GMs and 19 IMs: http://chess-results.com/tnr229050.aspx?lan=10&art=9&fed=BRA&turdet=yes&flag=30&snr=50.
Ivan is a professional chess trainer and has many students.
Number 2
NM Kevin Bordi (France) @Blitzstream
Fide Classical rating: 2288
Blitz peak rating on chess.com: 2857
Bullet peak rating on chess.com: 2780
A regular player, streamer, and blogger on chess.com, NM Kevin impresses with his creative and aggressive playing style.
It´s worth mentioning that, in a Titled Tuesday, he drew with the World Champion Magnus Carlsen playing 1.g4! (blitz game).
Kevin streams regularly on his Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/BlitzStream.
Number 1
NM Valery Sviridov (Russia) @Sviridov_Valery
Fide Classical rating: 2562
Blitz peak rating on chess.com: 2952
Bullet peak rating on chess.com: 2996
The most impressive NM I ever saw in therms of chess strength. Actually, I don´t remember the precise date, but I was seeing some of the top blitz games (the guys rated around 2900 rating and above), and, to my surprise, there was an NM around. I clicked and he was beating a strong GM.
After seeing around three consecutive games of him live, I went into his profile.
Then, all was quickly explained. NM Sviridov has a FIDE Classical rating of 2562 (a force worthy of a strong GM), and amazing performances in tournaments.
For instance, see his performance in the XX International Open Sants, held in Barcelona, 2018.
Well, all these players are very strong, and, if they wish, they could certainly aim and achieve higher chess titles.
But there is one question to be asked first: do they want it? We don´t know, but we can delight ourselves with their games, and this is already good enough.
I reinforce that´s my personal list and opinion. If you have another list or raking, feel free to express your view in the comments below.
Wish you all a nice 2021!
BKB99 ("hear me roar").
