Eric Di Filippo

Eric Di Filippo: The Rapid-Rising Chess Maverick

Meet Eric Di Filippo, known in the chess world as edifilippo, a player who dances across the 64 squares with a style that's as unpredictable as his rating swings and as tenacious as his winning streaks. While his peak rapid rating soared to an impressive 577 in early 2025, Eric’s journey is more of a thrilling rollercoaster than a steady climb—bringing drama and excitement to every game he touches.

Playing Style & Strengths

Eric loves to play the long game, boasting an average of nearly 55 moves in wins—clearly a strategist who doesn’t quit until the last piece drops. His endgame frequency is over 50%, proving he’s comfortable turning the tide in the final moments. His comeback rate of 62.3% keeps opponents on their toes, as giving him an advantage early rarely guarantees victory. Early resignations? Barely a blip at 6.7%, showing that Eric fights till the bitter end.

White pieces or black, Eric plays 50/50, with a slightly better record when wielding the whites (about 50.4% win rate). However, his game is not only about brute force but tactical awareness; he’s known for shrugging off lost pieces and still clawing toward victory with a solid 39.4% win rate even after losing material.

Favorite Openings

Eric has a taste for classical and flexible openings, often embracing the Reti Opening—with a solid 69% win rate in rapid games—which he also favors in blitz with respectable success. He mixes up kings and queens pawn openings and frequently navigates the tricky waters of the Alekhine's Defense, where he holds his own despite occasional sharp tactical battles. In blitz, Eric shows affection for the Colle System with an impressive 75% win rate—classic weaponry with a modern punch.

Battle Stats & Notable Streaks

With over 339 wins in rapid chess alone and a record boasting nearly as many losses, Eric’s games are a saga of balanced chaos. His longest winning streak is a hearty 7 games, but be warned: his longest losing streak once hit 11! Nothing like a few defeats to fuel the fire for an epic comeback—something Eric is clearly a master of.

Psychological Quirks & Best Times to Play

Eric admits to a tilt factor of 11, suggesting he sometimes gets a bit emotional after a rough game—but nothing that affects his overall execution too much. Interestingly, his absolute prime time to strike on the chessboard is midnight—maybe because the nocturnal brain cells fire up for checkmate strategies. And if you ever find yourself battling him at 5 AM, beware: an eye-opening 83% win rate awaits!

Memorable Recent Victories

Eric recently showcased his finishing flair by checkmating opponents with dazzling moves. For instance, on May 30, 2025, he outmaneuvered DaddyHaggy69 in a rapid game, culminating in an elegant checkmate with a rook after a tense 50-move duel. His sharp eye and patience in tactical skirmishes turn every game into a chess story worth watching.

Opponents Beware!

Eric’s opponent list reads like a who’s who of quirky usernames, and he’s risen to the challenge with a mix of decisive victories and tough lessons. Some opponents, like daddyhaggy69 and tchoa84, have felt the full force of Eric’s strategic prowess, suffering a 100% loss rate against him. Others, however, keep him honest and humble, reminding even the best that every game is a new battle.

In Summary

Whether you’re here to cheer for his surprising comebacks, admire his love for nuanced openings, or just enjoy a good old-fashioned chess thriller, Eric Di Filippo (edifilippo) is a player who ensures there’s never a dull moment. His blend of tactical grit, endgame mastery, and midnight brilliance means watching or facing him promises memorable chess, with the ever-present possibility of a checkmate surprise—or a dramatic loss that only makes him stronger.

Follow his journey, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next to join the legacy of the rapid-rising Eric.