Player Profile: Louis Melou (Irain22)
Meet Louis Melou, known in the chess realm as Irain22, a player whose journey through the ranks is as colorful as his openings! With a peak rapid rating of 1206 achieved back in late 2020, Louis has shown dedication that turns pawns into precarious wildcards and knights into crafty ninjas.
Playing Style & Highlights
Louis likes his chess like his coffee — sometimes smooth, sometimes bitter, never predictable. He favors the French Defense in rapid games, boasting a solid 55% win rate, with a particularly deadly reputation using the Englund Gambit, where he remarkably wins 80% of matches. Opponents beware: if you see Louis dive into the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Zukertort Variation, you're in for a tricky tussle — just don’t expect mercy!
Stats & Streaks
- Blitz: A rollercoaster with a peak rating of 1004; wins and losses are like his favorite rollercoaster rides — thrilling and unpredictable.
- Bullet: A bit of a struggle with just 1 win against 6 losses, but hey, not everyone can be lightning on 60 seconds!
- Rapid: Louis’s battlefield — over 300 games played with more wins than losses (152 wins to 137), highlighting patience and strategy.
- Daily: A casual battler who’s still polishing his moves (3 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws).
The Psychology & Comebacks
With a tilt factor of just 12%, Louis mostly keeps his cool, but when rattled, he bounces back impressively — his 70% comeback rate after tough spots could inspire motivational posters! Louis’s knack for turning games around after losing a piece (winning 41% of such encounters) shows that giving up is definitely not in his vocabulary.
Memorable Moment
On May 24, 2025, Louis's recent victory was a masterpiece of the French Defense: Advance Nimzowitsch System. He overwhelmed his opponent in a thrilling game ending with a neat checkmate after a tangled middle game full of bold sacrifices. Chess enthusiasts could watch this game here.
Fun Facts
- Louis’s longest winning streak is an impressive 8 games, but his toughest challenge was surviving a 12-game losing streak — hey, even the best stumble!
- His favorite playing times? Midnight zone (00:00) and midday (12:00), proving he’s a nocturnal strategist as well as a lunchtime tactician.
- He resigns early only about 6% of the time, showing tenacity even when the chips are down.
In summary, Louis Melou is not just a chess player; he’s a story of courage, learning, and the eternal hope of outsmarting the next opponent. Whether it’s the thrill of a blitz or the deep battles of rapid chess, Louis keeps pushing pawns and boundaries. Keep your eyes peeled for Irain22 — the underdog with a heart of a lion and a queen that never quits.
