Arlette Van Weersel: The Woman International Master
Arlette Van Weersel, known in the digital chess arena as Blitzfun84, is a formidable Woman International Master (WIM) who dances deftly through blitz games with a rating peak soaring above 2200. Far from your average strategist, Arlette crafts victories that blend skill, spirit, and a touch of surprise—a hallmark of a true chess artist.
Rise through the Ranks
From a promising start in 2016 with a blitz rating around 1549, Arlette steadily climbed the ladder of online chess mastery to hit her stride in 2025 with a sensational blitz rating of 2234. While she has dabbled in bullet and daily chess formats—garnering respectable ratings—her true playground is the rapid-fire blitz battlefield, where her sharp tactical awareness and quick thinking shine brightest.
Playing Style & Personality
Known for her endurance and love of the endgame (appearing in a whopping 87% of her games), Arlette's matches often extend into deep, complex battlegrounds. Don't be fooled by her graceful patience; she has a remarkable comeback rate nearing 91%, mastering disaster recovery like a cat with nine lives. And while she sometimes tilts (her tilt factor is 10—just enough to keep the games spicy), she often bounces back stronger.
Her games reveal a quirky mix of early resignations (only 0.24%)—yes, she knows when to fold ’em—and intense fights resolved by checkmate or time pressure. With an average of 79 moves per win, Arlette isn’t about quick tricks but long, strategic battles.
Victories, Streaks & Rivalries
With nearly 400 wins in blitz, Arlette has won hearts and games alike. Her longest winning streak spans 8 games, and she is no stranger to tough runs, having endured losses in streaks of 10. Among her many opponents, she holds a remarkable 100% win record against some players, proving she can be quite the nightmare on the board.
Signature Openings and Notorious Moments
The Unknown Opening is Arlette's playground for 776 blitz games, where her unpredictability earns a win rate of around 45%. She also enjoys employing the Top Secret opening, achieving nearly a 46% win rate there. Highlighting her strategic flexibility, she boasts a perfect win in the Indian Game with a solitary but decisive appearance.
Memorable Latest Triumph
Her most recent notable victory came against RoyalTomek in 2025 during a tense blitz encounter. The game, played under the Indian Game opening, ended by a clock victory after a fierce middlegame fight and tactical exchanges that left the opponent baffled. You can relive the drama here.
Fun Facts and Final Checkmate
- Her best time to play? 11 PM – apparently, the night owls in chess think clearer!
- She favors playing on Tuesdays and Fridays, boasting win rates of 51% and 38%, respectively—because why not celebrate the week’s ups and downs over a chessboard?
- Arlette has proven that losses don’t define her—she turns setbacks into comeback stories with a win rate of almost 44% after losing a piece.
In summary, Arlette Van Weersel is a spirited chess warrior whose combination of strategic depth, resilience, and a pinch of humor makes every game a story worth watching. Whether you're an opponent nervously eyeing the clock or a fan cheering from the sidelines, Arlette’s chess journey is nothing short of inspiring.