Makarov, Nikolai Val.

Nikolai Val. Makarov, a 42-year-old Russian FIDE Master, is rated 2140 and sitting in the top 6% of players worldwide. He has held steady between 2100 and 2150 for 7 months. 23 rated games in the past year (≈10/year long-term). Recent standard appearances include 3rd The Rooky Mini-Open 2026 - Standard Open, 2nd The Rooky Mini-Open 2025 - Standard Open, and 4th Blue Chevaliers International Open 2025. Also played 11 rapid (including JCA Chesfest 2025) and 2 blitz events (including 4th Blue Chevaliers International Open 2025 - Blitz) recently. He had 5 career breaks: 32 months (2004–2007), 26 months (2007–2009), 13 months (2010–2011), 19 months (2011–2013) and 47 months (2017–2021). His peak of 2331 was reached at age 25 (Jul 2009).

Awarded FM in 2008 (age 24). At junior level, he reached #90 nationally in U20.