Profile: Saheel Kohinkar (aka DauntlessOP)
Saheel Kohinkar, known on the chess battlefield as DauntlessOP, is a rapidly rising force in the world of online chess. Starting out with a Blitz rating barely above room temperature in early 2021, Saheel has since pushed his Rapid rating to an impressive peak of 746 as of May 2025, proving that even a humble beginning can lead to great checkmates!
Career Highlights & Style
With nearly 1,000 wins and just a smidge over 1,000 losses in Rapid games, Saheel exemplifies perseverance. His playstyle balances careful endgame strategy (boasting a 56-move average in wins!) with tactical audacity, pulling off comebacks in more than 60% of games after setbacks. While the keyboard occasionally trembles under the weight of defeat (a tilt factor of 13% — who’s counting?), his resilience shines through.
Favorite Openings
- Van Geet Opening – A lethal weapon wielded in over 230 Rapid games, with a win rate hovering around 52%. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
- Queens Pawn Opening (Chigorin Variation) – A secret sauce for a 54.5% win rate, proving Saheel loves his complexity served with a pinch of surprise.
- Alekhine's Defense – A risky business, but one Saheel navigates with almost equal parts nerve and skill.
The Thrill of the Match
Saheel’s legendary longest winning streak? 9 games straight—enough to make even Magnus raise an eyebrow. On the flip side, a brutal 13-game losing streak reminds us all that every warrior endures some battles lost. But science says Saheel’s best chess happens in the dead of night around 3 AM. Perhaps midnight oil is better burned with a queen's gambit?
Recent Victories
In May 2025, Saheel dazzled fans with precise checkmates against notable opponents such as ahmet90456 and charline_gdl09. These games featured aggressive and tactical play, illustrating his ability to turn the tide and checkmate opponents with style and flair.
Personality & Fun Facts
Aside from the board, Saheel is known for his dauntlessness and humor—hence the cheeky username. He takes losses in stride, often bouncing back with even more creative gameplay. A strategist by heart, a queen slayer by passion, and a relentless learner by practice, Saheel Kohinkar is a chess player to watch.
In a world where pawns become kings, Saheel fights with knights and castles — occasionally sacrificing a bishop just to keep things interesting.
