Giacomo Palma (elgiggio) - The Chess Warrior with a Flair for the Dramatic
Giacomo Palma, better known by his online alias elgiggio, is not your typical chess player. With a peak rapid rating soaring up to 687 in October 2023, Giacomo mixes determination with a knack for surprises on the board. Though his rating has fluctuated like a rollercoaster - from a humble 413 average in late 2023 to a confident 559 as of mid-2025 - his passion for the game has never waned.
Game Style & Strengths
Famous for his Englund Gambit mastery (holding an impressive 75% win rate), Giacomo doesn’t shy away from unconventional openings, proving that sometimes breaking the rules pays off. He exhibits a solid comeback rate of 71.47%, showing tenacity especially when under pressure. Early resignations are a thing, but only about 9.56% of the time - because who likes to give up easily?
On the Clock
In rapid games, he plays about 45 moves on average before either a joyous win or a humble loss. Giacomo thrives in the evening hours, particularly at 9 PM, where his win rate leaps to nearly 64%. Clearly, this is the hour when his chess brain lights up, and pawns start to dance!
Legendary Battles
Among his top conquests are victories by checkmate, a whopping 191 wins achieved by orchestrating the perfect trapping dance. Resignations also make up a big chunk of his wins, indicating that Giacomo's pressure forces opponents to throw in the towel frequently. His longest winning streak stretches to a heroic 9 games, but beware – his longest losing skid is equally dramatic with the same number!
Famous Foes & Friends
He’s tangled multiple times with players like ergiamb and sonogio, showcasing a competitive spirit. Against some, he boasts a perfect 100% win record – no mercy! Yet, the true charm is his persistence and sportsmanship when matches don’t always go his way.
Recent Triumphs
One of Giacomo’s recent masterpieces came in June 2025 against powerkeizer. He clinched the game with a swift checkmate after a deceptive sequence in the Englund Gambit, showing off his tactical prowess and proving that bold moves win the day.
Chess Personality
With a tilt factor of 9, Giacomo is aware of his emotional highs and lows, but that never stops him from returning stronger. His favorite color on the board? The classic battlegrounds of white and black both see him flourish with nearly equal win rates: 47% with white and 46% with black.
In a universe full of grandmasters and prodigies, Giacomo Palma stands out not just for the numbers, but for the spirit of a true chess gladiator — ever fighting, sometimes falling, but always getting back up, hungry for the next game!