Achieving a peak FIDE rating of 2761 in September 2010, Pavel Eljanov established himself as the highest-ranked chess player in Ukraine and the sixth-ranked player globally during that period. Born in Kharkiv in 1983, he has maintained a long-standing presence in elite international chess circuits while balancing a rigorous academic background and extensive professional responsibilities as a player and trainer.
Early Development and Education
The son of International Master Vladimir Eljanov, Pavel Eljanov pursued formal education alongside his chess career. He graduated from the National University “Yaroslav the Wise Law Academy of Ukraine.” His early competitive successes included participating in the 1999 Under-16 Chess Olympiad in Artek, where he contributed to the Ukrainian national youth team’s gold medal performance.
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Eljanov secured multiple victories in significant international tournaments throughout his career. In 2007, he won the B group of the Corus Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. He later claimed titles at the 2009 Bosna Chess Tournament, the 2010 Astrakhan stage of the FIDE Grand Prix, and the 2010 Politiken Cup. Further successes followed with wins at the 2013 Reykjavik Open, the 2013 Anatoly Karpov International Tournament, and the 2016 Chess.com Isle of Man International. In 2021, he placed first in the 48th International Dortmund Schachtage Deutschland Grand Prix.
Contributions as a Second
Beyond his individual play, Eljanov served as a trusted second for several high-profile grandmasters during world championship cycles. His involvement included working with Boris Gelfand for the 2007 World Chess Championship, the 2011 Candidates Matches, and the 2012 World Chess Championship. He also acted as a second for Magnus Carlsen during the 2013 World Chess Championship and supported Mariya Muzychuk for the 2016 Women's World Chess Championship.
Team Competitions and Recognition
Eljanov represented Ukraine in multiple Chess Olympiads, including the 36th, 37th, and 38th editions. His tenure in team events yielded two gold medals and one individual silver medal. In recognition of his contributions to sport, he was awarded the Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class. Throughout his career, he has played for clubs such as SV Wattenscheid, SK Baden, and Paris Chess Club.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Education: National University “Yaroslav the Wise Law Academy of Ukraine”
- Peak FIDE Rating: 2761 (September 2010)
- Career Highlights: Two Chess Olympiad gold medals
- Award: Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Spouse: Olena Dvoretska (married 2009)
- Notable Tournaments: Corus B, Bosna Chess, Reykjavik Open, Anatoly Karpov International
Questions readers ask
Which major championship cycle did Eljanov reach the semifinals?
He reached the semifinals of the FIDE World Cup in 2015 before being defeated by Sergey Karjakin.
Who has Eljanov worked with as a second?
He has served as a second for Boris Gelfand, Magnus Carlsen, and Mariya Muzychuk.
Achievements
- Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Represented SV Wattenscheid, SK Baden and Paris Chess Club
- Competed at 36th Chess Olympiad, 37th Chess Olympiad and 38th Chess Olympiad
- Discipline: chess
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