Maxim Novikov is a Russian Grandmaster of chess, born in Ukraine on November 23, 1979. His peak ranking was in 2002 when he was rated 2598 ELO, placing him 178th in the world. He gained his International Master title in 1997 and Grandmaster title in 2001.
Novikov has participated in multiple chess competitions, making significant achievements. Notably, he won the Chigorin Memorial Blitz championship held in Russia in 2001 and finished third at the World Juniors championship in Athens in 2002. He also finished third in the 2009 Paracin Open event in Serbia, and was runner-up in the strong 2011 Karpos Open held in Macedonia.
In 2012, Novikov moved to the United States to continue his academic pursuits. He graduated from the Institute of Physical Education and Sports with an MA in Coaching and Sports Education. He currently works as a chess coach and a second at the Kings Indian Defence Chess School in Sunnyvale, California. He enjoys sharing his chess knowledge with talented young players, focusing on opening preparations and middle game strategies.