There's a certain type of player you don't fully notice at first. No noise, no theatrics — just results, consistency, and quiet growth. And then, suddenly, they're everywhere.
That's Polina Shuvalova.
Born in 2001, she has been one of the most consistent rising forces in women's chess for years: multiple World Youth titles, strong performances with the Russian national team, and a reputation for being extremely solid across all formats. Recently, she added another milestone — becoming the first woman ever to reach 3000 blitz rating on Chess.com, a symbolic achievement that says a lot about where her game stands today.
But what stood out most when we spoke wasn't just the results.
It was the structure behind them.
🧠 Discipline, Routine, and Consistency
You've recently been sharing a new training routine on your social media. What pushed you to make this change?
"At the start of this year, I wanted to try something new — a real challenge. I decided to work on chess at least five hours every day, and also include physical activity, like morning exercises and tracking my steps.
Before, I could work well for some periods, but then I would lose consistency. I didn't have a stable routine. Now I feel much more consistent. I don't depend on whether I feel like working — I just do it because I have to.
I haven't played many tournaments yet during this period, so I don't fully know the results of this work… but I did reach 3000 blitz on Chess.com, so I guess that's something."
There's a clear shift here — less emotion, more structure.
"What I really like about this routine is that it includes a lot of physical activity. In chess, it's very important to be in good physical shape, especially for long games. You need endurance."
⚖️ Chess, Solitude, and Mental Balance
Chess is often described as a very lonely sport — hours of preparation, often alone. How do you deal with that side of the game?
"I think if you want to perform well mentally, you need to recharge properly. Sport helps a lot with that — it improves your endurance.
For me, sport has always been part of my life, but now I'm doing it more consistently. I also started tracking my nutrition — proteins and everything. All these things matter.
When I don't train physically for a few days, I can really feel the difference."
And lately, her main sport is not exactly a quiet one.
"Now I mostly do boxing. It's quite intense… as long as you don't get hit too hard in the brain," she laughs.
🚀 The 3000 Mark
You became the first woman to reach 3000 blitz on Chess.com. What did that mean to you?
"For me, 3000 was more of a psychological barrier than anything else. There is some rating inflation now, so it's not the same as it was a few years ago, but still — it's a milestone.
When I started this training challenge, I really wanted to reach it. I was close many times, then I lost games and dropped again.
And then one day… it just happened."
🌟 Inspiration
Who has inspired you the most in your journey?
"Definitely Judit Polgar. I recently read her autobiographical books, and they were very inspiring.
I would recommend them to everyone — especially to women in chess. They show that it's really possible."
♟️ Growing Women's Chess
Women's chess is growing, but still doesn't get the same visibility as the open scene. What do you think could help?
"What you're doing with your app already helps — initiatives like this are important.
I think if we had more players like Judit Polgar, who compete at the very top level with men, it would increase the popularity of women's chess.
In the end… we just need to play better."
A very simple answer.
But also a very honest one.
⚡ Team Chess and the Global Chess League
You performed very well in the Global Chess League. What's your take on that format?
"I really liked it. It's something beyond chess — more like a show.
Even if you play only one game per day, it's still very entertaining. And playing alongside players like Vishy Anand or Javokhir Sindarov gives you a special feeling."
And the team aspect changes everything.
"When you play for yourself, it can feel a bit routine. But when you play for a team, there's energy — you support each other, you follow the games.
I really enjoy that atmosphere."
🎯 Looking Ahead
What are your plans for 2026?
"I will play a rapid team event in Shanghai soon, representing Russia. Then the Baku Open, which will be my first classical tournament of the year.
And later, the Olympiad — it will actually be my first Olympiad ever, so I'm really looking forward to it."
How does it feel to play your first Olympiad?
"I'm very excited. It's quite different from what I've played before. I've played team events, but only women's events.
At the Olympiad, you have both open and women's teams together — the atmosphere is unique. It should be something special. And I'm looking forward to some bermuda party" she laughs.
💡 A Game That Changed Everything
Is there a game that you particularly remember? One that meant something important for you?
"Yes — from the World Team Championship in Linares. I played against Tatev Abrahamyan.
At some point, I was completely lost. But in time trouble, she made mistakes and I managed to win.
After that game, I gained confidence — and in the next games I scored 9.5 out of 10."
🎮 Fantasy Pick
One last question — why should a FomoChess user pick you for their fantasy team?
"Because I'm underrated," she smiles. "Right now, I should probably cost less than I actually am. I'm an underdog."
Polina Shuvalova is available in FomoChess for upcoming tournaments. Follow her journey and add her to your team.