Johann Hjartarson (aka eldur16)
Grandmaster Extraordinaire
Johann Hjartarson is not your average chess player – he's a Grandmaster, which means he's earned some serious respect (and probably a few knight-shaped trophies) from FIDE. Known for his razor-sharp tactical awareness and his uncanny ability to stage comebacks when most players would just throw in the towel, Johann is a force on the blitz battlefield.
A Lightning-Fast Journey
His blitz rating peaked impressively at 2714 in June 2022, showing that he’s as comfortable making lightning-quick moves as he is plotting long-term strategy. With a win rate holding strong at nearly 62% on his favorite opening — a “Top Secret” weapon in over 1600 blitz games — Johann’s opponents probably dread that first second on the clock.
The Numbers Game
- Total Blitz Wins: 997 (against only 452 losses and 165 draws — talk about efficiency!)
- Rapid Wins: A solid 33 wins keep proving he’s versatile across formats.
- Longest Winning Streak: 16 consecutive triumphs. That’s a chess hot streak worthy of a Hollywood montage.
The Style: Patience Meets Precision
Don’t be fooled by Johann's flair for speed — his average wins clock in at a meticulous 77 moves, showing a patient mind that loves deep, strategic battles. Coming back after losing a piece? No problem! His comeback rate is a jaw-dropping 87%, turning setbacks into setups for victory. And with resignation rates under 1%, he respects his opponents so much that he only throws in the towel when absolutely necessary.
Peak Performances & Perfect Timing
If you want to face Johann at his best, set your clock for 9 a.m. or late mornings — that’s when his win rate hits the sweet spot. His knack for timing might be why his wins on Tuesday and Friday soar above 85% — maybe the weekend prep really works!
Memorable Battles
In a recent epic blitz duel in early 2025, Johann (playing as Black under the handle eldur16) delivered a masterstroke by forcing his opponent to resign in a Van Geet Opening showdown — proving once again he’s as unpredictable as he is skilled.
Off the Board
Rumor has it Johann balances his chess prowess with a healthy dose of humor — maybe it’s how he stays cool and collected when the pressure mounts. After all, when you’re a Grandmaster with nearly a thousand blitz wins, a little wit is the best defense against the chess blues.
In short: Johann Hjartarson is a witty, relentless, and highly skilled chess warrior who turns every game into an intriguing story — and usually ends it with a checkmate.