Eric Liu IM

Eric Liu (el008) - International Master Extraordinaire

Eric Liu, known in the chess world by the sleek handle el008, proudly wears the esteemed title of International Master conferred by FIDE. But don’t let the formal title fool you; Eric’s journey up the rating ladder reads like a thrilling rollercoaster—full of leaps, dips, and occasional loop-the-loops that make every game an adventure.

Career Highlights & Playing Style

Starting modestly with a Blitz rating around 1500 in 2018, Eric rocketed up to an astonishing peak Blitz rating of 2862 by mid-2025, a number that surely makes chess engines raise their virtual eyebrows. Bullet chess seems to be Eric’s playground too, boasting a peak of 3058 — which might be the reason opponents feel like they’re dueling a cheetah on caffeine.

Eric's playing style is a fascinating mixture of gritty resilience and tactical sharpness, evident in a comeback rate of 73% and a pleasingly patient average of nearly 70 moves per win. Whether wielding the white or black pieces, Eric maintains a winning edge, with win rates slightly higher when playing white.

Psychologically, Eric has been known to weather the storm better than most, with a tilt factor (longest losing streak) clocking in at 286 games. Surely, that’s not a streak but a test of sanity—and Eric passed with flying colors, coming back stronger.

Opening Repertoire

In blitz battlefields, Eric trusts his secret weapon known simply as “Top Secret” — a mysterious and clearly effective opening choice that scores a strong 57% win rate across a massive 1,146 games. When he feels adventurous, the Philidor Defense Hanham Lion Variation invites a perfect 100% score and probably a bit of roaring on the board. Against the Sicilian, Eric exhibits mastery with various sharp lines, including the Kan Modern Variation and the Najdorf Anti-English, proving he’s not just a one-trick puppet master.

Recent Battles

Fresh from the chess mines, one of Eric’s latest victories was a clinical dismantling of AldokhinIvan in the Sicilian Defense Kan Modern Variation, concluding with a precise endgame technique that’s as elegant as it is merciless. On the flip side, in the heat of the moment, surprises do happen; as in a recent loss to selvas123, proving every great warrior has their day off—though knowing Eric, revenge is probably already brewing.

Fun Facts

• Longest Winning Streak: 42 games — imagine the trophies!
• Favorite Time to Play: Hands down, 10:00 AM — when the mind is freshest and coffee strongest.
• Psychological Superpower: Can maintain calm and precision even after the loss of a piece with a 50.9% win rate after setbacks.
• Game Length: Average move count difference between wins and losses suggests a taste for long, strategic battles rather than rapid-fire skirmishes.

Final Word

Eric Liu (el008) is not just a player; he’s a chess force of nature. A fierce competitor with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of humor, Eric turns every game into a saga worth telling. Whether blitz, rapid, bullet, or daily chess, this International Master carves his path with wisdom, resilience, and a smile. Opponents beware: el008’s been known to checkmate your time as much as your pieces.