Maj Zirkelbach (aka Cirky) - FIDE Master Extraordinaire
Maj Zirkelbach, affectionately known in the chess realm as Cirky, is a proud FIDE Master who has delighted and frustrated opponents alike with their strategic prowess and uncanny ability to keep calm under pressure. With a tactical awareness so sharp it borders on psychic, Cirky has earned a reputation for coming back from seemingly lost positions with a win rate after losing a piece at a staggering 97.6%. That's right—don't write them off just because you've snagged a pawn!
From humble beginnings in 2014, where their bullet rating was a modest 1385, Cirky blasted off to bullet rating heights of over 2700 in recent years—an achievement that places them among the lightning-fast titans who can blunder less and move faster than the eye can follow. Their blitz play is nothing short of spectacular as well, peaking at an impressive 2635. If rapid chess were a sprint, Cirky would be in the lead; they're known for a thoughtful, resilient style backed by an average game length of about 84 moves, proving patience and endurance are just as important as speed.
Cirky's playing style can be summarized as a tireless fighter with an extraordinary comeback rate of over 90%, backed by a tilt factor of 22—which, in the topsy-turvy world of chess, says they’re human enough to get a bit flustered, but always back on their feet. They have a knack for grinding down opponents in endgames, engaging in these intricate battles in more than 85% of their games. Just don’t underestimate them when they're on the back foot; that "little guy" is always plotting!
Consistent across various time formats—bullet, blitz, rapid, and daily games—Maj’s win rates range around 40-44%, with slightly better success when playing White. They display versatility and determination whether streaming or battling through intense tournament conditions. They’ve built fierce rivalries with fellow chess gladiators such as Zuraazmai and Lepijure, showing particular strength with a near 96% win rate against the latter. Even against newer opponents, Cirky mixes serious skill with a chess humor that's as sharp as their opening traps.
Off the board, Cirky is known for a friendly yet fiercely competitive spirit. With winning streaks of up to 25 games, they have a knack for entering “the zone,” making opponents wonder if their keyboard secretly has turbo enabled. Whether it’s bullet blitzkrieg or marathon daily battles, Maj Zirkelbach continues to enthrall the chess community—and possibly inspire future prank ideas involving knights and rooks.
In short: Maj "Cirky" Zirkelbach is the FIDE Master you want on your team when the clock’s ticking and the nerves are jangling — because they don’t just play chess, they play mind games with your sanity.