FIDE Master Luuk Baselmans (deBaller)
Meet Luuk Baselmans, a chess warrior known in the online battlegrounds as deBaller. With the prestigious title of FIDE Master firmly under their belt, Luuk is not your average player—unless your average includes outmaneuvering hundreds of opponents with style and wit.
Chess Journey & Style
Luuk's chess career is like a thrilling novel, filled with tactical surprises and endgame wizardry. Their play favors long, strategic bouts—boasting an impressive average of 67 moves per win and often testing nerves with deep endgames in over 75% of their games. If chess were a marathon, Luuk would probably be the frontrunner sipping an espresso while casually setting up checkmate.
Luuk’s psychological resilience is legendary too—they bounce back from setbacks with a comeback success rate over 80% and an almost statuesque ability to win after losing a piece 98% of the time. Clearly, “tilt” is a foreign concept here, with a tilt factor of only 12—chess Zen master, anyone?
Rating Rollercoaster
Starting from modest beginnings in 2017 with blitz ratings around 1947, Luuk's skills skyrocketed, peaking over 2690 in blitz by 2025—bringing blinding speed and accuracy that many grandmasters envy. Their bullet and rapid skills are nothing to scoff at either, showcasing a versatile arsenal across all time controls.
Performance & Records
Luuk has played over 3,900 blitz games (with a win rate north of 60%), and comfortably dominates the daily and bullet formats too, boasting win rates consistently above 60%. Notable is their smashing success with their secret opening weapon—aptly labeled "Top Secret"—which has led to victories in over 2,000 blitz games alone. What’s behind this secret? Only Luuk knows, and they’re not telling.
When Does Luuk Play?
If you ever want to catch Luuk online for a game, try late afternoons to nights (around 7 pm to 10 pm) or some pleasantly eerie early hours—because Luuk’s win rates peak when the rest of the world is barely awake or winding down. Also, weekdays are fair game, but Thursdays and Tuesdays seem especially lucrative.
Famous Opponents & Noteworthy Rivalries
Luuk's opponents apparently include a roll call of chess gladiators—some have been bested consistently (just check their 100% win record against recent foes like mihaiionescu1 and pozitiff_chess), while others put up a fight. Long-time sparring partners include sammeister (185 games!) and a handful of others who have learned to approach Luuk with respect (and a solid opening prep).
Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak? A scorching 29 games in a row. Luuk was basically an unstoppable chess hurricane.
- Average moves to lose? A grueling 77 moves—guess Luuk hates to give up early.
- Early resignations rate? A humble 2.63%, proving they’re a fighter to the very end.
- Luuk’s Blitz handle’s called deBaller, which sounds like someone who expertly juggles pawns and knights instead of basketballs.
Whether you want to admire, challenge, or just learn from this master of all things chess, Luuk Baselmans is a name that resonates with skill, tenacity, and a sprinkle of mystery. Just don’t ask about their secret openings—unless you’re ready for a blitzkrieg of witty replies!