Profile of Rafael Aparicio (aka Hyperbolic5)
Rafael Aparicio, known in the chess universe by his enigmatic username Hyperbolic5, is a passionate and relentless competitor on the 64 squares. His journey through the ranks is a rollercoaster ride of cunning tactics, tough battles, and a fair share of nail-biting matches that keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Career Highlights
Rafael reached his peak Rapid rating of 1444 back in November 2018, along with peak ratings of 1553 in Daily chess, 1467 in Blitz, and 1079 in Bullet. If rating points could talk, his tell would be, “I fight hard even if the scoreboard’s not always in my favor!” With a spirited playing style, he keeps a current winning streak alive and boasts of a comeback rate of over 84%—proving he’s quite the chess phoenix.
Playing Style & Personality
Rafael’s games often resemble thrilling detective stories; expect sharp twists, daring sacrifices, and unexpected comebacks. He’s no stranger to long endgames—almost 70% of his games go deep into the final phase, often testing nerves and stamina. Don’t even think about his openings without respect—favorites include the notorious Philidor Defense (where he claims the crown with a solid 62% win rate in Rapid) and the crafty Scandinavian Defense.
Fun fact: for Rafael, the best time to play is at 3 PM
Memorable Games
One of his recent masterpieces occurred in May 2025, where he showcased a strategic demolition against a worthy opponent, skillfully clinching a victory in the Queen’s Pawn Opening Zukertort Chigorin Variation. Rafael’s eyes are always locked on the win, despite facing formidable opponents with tricky defenses.
Statistics Snapshot
- Total Rapid Wins: 431 (with 447 losses and 40 draws)
- Blitz Record: 298 wins, 303 losses, 22 draws—nipping toes in lightning speed duels
- Bullet Battles: 180 wins to 184 losses, a testimony to his blazing reflexes and occasional "uh-oh" moments!
- Preferred Opening in Rapid: Philidor Defense with a confident 62% win rate
- Longest Winning Streak: 11 games - proving even a rollercoaster can have its thrilling peaks!
A Word for Opponents
Opponents beware! Rafael’s record shows he has a love-hate relationship with some foes—while some have bowed 100% of the time, others have managed to sneak wins through the cracks. His most-played opponent, akchessspeedy, has given him quite the run for his money, though Rafael perseveres with dogged determination.
Behind the Scenes
When not mulling over the next move on the board, Rafael is probably plotting his next chess-themed pun or composing a witty post about his latest endgame escapades. He takes his game seriously but never forgets to enjoy the quirky side of chess—the pawns are pawns, but the laughs can be legendary.
In the end, whether winning, losing, or resigning (but rarely in the wrong spirit), Rafael Aparicio continues to enrich the chess community one move at a time.
