Edoardo Di Benedetto IM

Edoardo Di Benedetto (eragon02) - International Master Extraordinaire

Meet Edoardo Di Benedetto, better known in the chess world by the enigmatic handle eragon02. Earning the prestigious title of International Master from FIDE, Edoardo has proven time and again that the 64 squares are anything but small when viewed through his strategic lens.

From Blitz to Bullet - A Rating Rollercoaster

Edoardo’s blitz chess rating dances gracefully around the 2600+ mark, peaking at a phenomenal 2940 in March 2025, a rating most mere mortals only dream about. Bullet fans rejoice as well, with an impressive peak rating of 2925 earlier that same month. Rapid chess? While slightly more tame with a top rating around 2204, it's clear Edoardo isn't one to shy away from faster time controls.

Playing Style and Psychology

Known for his endurance, Edoardo takes the long road in most of his wins, averaging over 91 moves to secure victory, proving patience is truly a virtue. His endgames are masterpieces where precision reigns, as reflected by a hefty 85.55% endgame frequency. And despite the psychological rollercoaster chess often is, Edoardo’s tilt factor modestly hovers around 13 — just enough frustration to keep him human, but not enough to stop him from clawing back with an incredible 86% comeback rate after setbacks.

Opening a Treasure Chest...

When it comes to openings, Edoardo guards his secrets closely (a “Top Secret” approach dominating with 1546 blitz games and a solid ~52% win rate). Yet, true fans know he’s also mastered aggressive adventures like the French Defense Classical Steinitz Boleslavsky Variation boasting a perfect 100% win rate in his limited appearances, alongside solid performances with the Queens Gambit Declined and the Reti Opening. Bullet games show a flair for the French Defense Advance Wade Variation and the Indian Game East Indian Przepiorka Variation – both with ideal 100% wins in his ventures.

Records, Rivalries, and Notable Opponents

Over several thousand blitz and bullet games, Edoardo has amassed more wins than losses – 832 wins in blitz, and a staggering 1669 wins in bullet. His longest winning streak? A jaw-dropping 40 games in a row! Not too shabby. Opponents beware: while some have found little luck facing him (looking at you, “jumbo” and “lucerne82” with 0% win rate against him), friends like “chicca_0” have a tough time, holding only about a 22% win rate over 166 games. It seems Edoardo’s chess prowess keeps his rivals both humbled and amused.

Victories Told Through PGNs

His most recent victory in Chess960 was clinched with a bold pawn push (1. b4) followed by relentless pressure until his opponent succumbed on time – a classic Edoardo move: playing rapidly without sacrificing precision. His bullet and blitz wins continue to showcase his deft understanding of both the traditional and variant forms of chess.

The Final Word

Whether storming through bullet games at breakneck speed or digging deep in marathon blitz battles, Edoardo Di Benedetto (aka eragon02) proves himself a force of nature on the 64 squares. An International Master with a streak of brilliance, endurance of a marathoner, and the cunning of a chess ninja, he’s a player to watch – and maybe even fear – in every time control.

And remember, if you hear the clock ticking faster and faster, it might just be Edoardo warming up his pieces...