Ian Nepomniachtchi vs Pavel Eljanov
GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (2735) · GM Pavel Eljanov (2664)
Ian Nepomniachtchi and Pavel Eljanov have played 15 recorded games against each other, the first in Apr 2008 and the most recent in Mar 2026. Nepomniachtchi leads 3 wins to 6 - trailing overall, with 6 draws (60% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense (2 games). The average game between them lasted 52 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Eljanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepomniachtchi with White | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Eljanov with White | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Eljanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Blitz | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Nepomniachtchi | Draws | Eljanov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C65 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| A29 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A45 | London System | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B92 | Sicilian: Najdorf | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C45 | Scotch Game | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C54 | Italian Game: Classical Variation | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C67 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| C80 | Ruy Lopez: Open | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 1-0 | Ruy Lopez: Open | Chess.com Open PlayIn1 |
| Mar 2026 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | London System | Titled Tue |
| Jun 2024 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | London System | Titled Tue Late |
| Jul 2017 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | Sicilian: Najdorf | Geneva FIDE GP |
| Jan 2017 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 1/2-1/2 | Trompowsky Attack | 79th Tata Steel Masters |
| Jun 2015 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 0-1 | Scotch Game | 50th Capablanca Memorial Elite |
| Jun 2015 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | Grünfeld Defense | 50th Capablanca Memorial Elite |
| May 2014 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 1/2-1/2 | English Opening: Reverse Sicilian | Poikovsky Karpov 15th |
| Aug 2013 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1/2-1/2 | Torre Attack | 14th Poikovsky Karpov |
| Nov 2010 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 0-1 | Grünfeld Defense | 5th Wch Blitz |
| Nov 2010 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 0-1 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | 5th Wch Blitz |
| Apr 2010 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 0-1 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | 17th chT-RUS |
| Jul 2009 | Pavel Eljanov | Ian Nepomniachtchi | 1-0 | Réti Opening | Netanya Riordan |
| Aug 2008 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 1/2-1/2 | Italian Game: Classical Variation | 15th Mainz Ordix Open |
| Apr 2008 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Pavel Eljanov | 1/2-1/2 | Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense | chT-RUS |
Interactive board, all 15 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Pavel Eljanov?
In 15 recorded games, Ian Nepomniachtchi has 3 wins, Pavel Eljanov has 6 wins, and they have drawn 6 times.
How many times have Ian Nepomniachtchi and Pavel Eljanov played each other?
Our database records 15 games between them, from Apr 2008 to Mar 2026.
What openings do Ian Nepomniachtchi and Pavel Eljanov play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense (2 games), followed by the English Opening: Reverse Sicilian (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.