Marek Kowalski

Marek Kowalski (aka elmaroloco)

Meet Marek Kowalski, a resilient and spirited chess player whose journey on the 64 squares is a thrilling rollercoaster of triumphs, tactics, and the occasional eyebrow-raising blunder. Nicknamed "elmaroloco" (which roughly translates to "the crazy one" in Spanish), Marek’s style might be unconventional but never dull – a bit like watching a chessboard tumble into a whirlwind, only to emerge with surprising victories!

Rating Highlights & Play Style

Marek’s peak rapid rating soared to a respectable 1286 in April 2023, reflecting a steady climb from humble beginnings – starting at the mid-400s in mid-2022 and rallying through fierce competition and rapid-fire matches. His blitz games see flashes of brilliance too, with a highest rating of 903, while his bullet peak is a respectable 825. Daily chess has been Marek’s cozy battlefield, achieving a peak of 946.

Known for a calculated balance between patience and audacity, Marek’s average winning games stretch into nearly 58 moves, a testament to his love for the endgame hustle – no quick tricks here, he thrives in the marathon battles. His comeback rate of nearly 71% proves that being "down a piece" doesn’t faze him; Marek fights back with the tenacity of a chess gladiator.

Record & Rivalries

Behind those numbers hides a warrior with a win rate in rapid chess of about 55%, steadily outplaying opponents most days of the week – Tuesday and 5 PM being his sweet spots for clutch performances. However, don't get him started on those pesky losing streaks; his longest was a challenging 7 games, but don’t worry: after every stumble Marek bounces back.

Some of his fiercest and most frequently encountered foes include “karoolz” (24 battles with a nail-biting 54% win rate), and “polopoldon,” whom he has edged out about half the time. Madagascar to memory: 100% victories over several opponents including “1966player” and “sonyman201” suggest no mercy given when Marek’s in top form.

Favorite Openings & Tactics

Marek prefers keeping his opening repertoire a "Top Secret," which presumably confuses and then crushes his opponents. His games feature the style of the mysterious and unpredictable – his recent rapid games have embraced openings like the Reti Opening, Tennison Gambit, a tricky, offbeat weapon well suited to his dynamic personality.

Notable Game Moments

Just recently in April 2025, elmaroloco clinched an exciting victory by resignation after a strategic duel where his patient maneuvering forced his opponent to fold. Despite some setbacks – like a loss on time in a live game earlier that day – Marek’s fighting spirit is unwavering, and he welcomes every game as a new chance to outwit destiny.

Off the Board

With a tilt factor of 7 (we won’t ask how high on a scale of 10 that is), Marek knows that losing is just part of the chess comedy. His patience and psychological resilience set him apart, and while there might be a few gambits on the board, off the board Marek is all about the love of the game – with maybe just a dash of craziness to keep things interesting.

Whether you face him across the board or watch his games unfold online, expect unpredictability, grit, and a hint of that “elmaroloco” madness that makes chess much more than just a game.

Check out Marek's latest game here: Live Chess April 2025 Victory