Simon Atkinson

Profile: Simon Atkinson (aka Icemansi98)

Simon Atkinson, known online by the fearsome moniker Icemansi98, is a chess player with a flair for dramatic comebacks and a penchant for shaking up the board. With a peak rapid rating of 542 as of February 2025 and a daily rating high of 786 in mid-2024, Simon has shown a steady and impressive climb in the chess ranks.

Playing Style & Persona

Simon’s games average about 55 moves to victory, proving he enjoys long, strategic battles that make opponents sweat through every tick of the clock. Known for a sharp tactical mind, he boasts an almost 70% comeback rate—so if you think you’ve got him, think again. But with a tilt factor of 7, even Simon sometimes gets a little hot-headed after blunders (who doesn’t?).

He’s not one to quit early either, with a low early resignation rate of just 3.69%, bravely fighting until the endgame, which he frequents in nearly 62% of his matches. His black pieces seem especially lucky, winning with a rate just under 47%, edging out his white pieces slightly.

Favorite Openings

• Alekhine's Defense – Simon’s most successful rapid opening, with an impressive 56.5% win rate. You'll often catch him inviting opponents into unfriendly territory early on.
• King's Pawn Openings – From the straightforward King's Knight Variation to the Leonardis Variation, Simon wields these with a steady hand and a nearly 59% win rate with the classic King's Pawn.
• Van 't Kruijs Opening – A quirky choice that suits Simon’s style, playing here with nearly a 48% win rate over a hefty 89 games.

Recent Battles

Simon’s recent games showcase his gritty determination. Just a few days ago, he bested mastercliff1 by resignation after a tense 29-move fight featuring the King’s Pawn Opening, King's Knight Variation. His tactical blows and queen maneuvers left no options for the opposition.

Not all is sunshine and checkmates—Simon recently fell to dssport in a tough match where the opponent’s precise endgame tactics ultimately prevailed. But knowing Simon, it’s only fuel for the next comeback.

Personality Quips

Simon might not have conquered the world of chess just yet, but with a record of over 400 rapid wins and an almost equal number of losses, this rollercoaster aficionado embraces every twist and turn. Whether he’s charming opponents with unconventional openings or diving headfirst into endgames lasting an hour, Simon’s chess journey is anything but boring.

So, if you see Icemansi98 locking horns with your pieces on the board, expect a battle of wits spiced with surprises—because Simon Atkinson plays chess like a thrilling novel, with twists, suspense, and the occasional checkmate plot twist!