Leonid Gerzhoy - International Master Extraordinaire
Meet Leonid Gerzhoy, also known around the chessboard as leonidtoronto, an International Master with a knack for blitz and rapid chess that could make even the most seasoned grandmasters pause. From the cold Canadian cities to the blazing online arenas, Leonid has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. His peak blitz rating skyrocketed to an impressive 2856 in early 2025, a testament to his lightning-fast decision-making and relentless competitive spirit.
With over 9,400 wins under his belt in blitz alone, Leonid combines tactical awareness and psychological resilience—boasting a comeback rate exceeding 90%! He’s the type of player who might lose a piece early but somehow turns the tides, keeping opponents on their toes with creative and sharp play. Not to mention, his games tend to average about 71 moves for a win, which suggests patience is just as much a part of his style as those flashy tactical fireworks.
His repertoire? Oh, it’s as eclectic as a grandmaster’s spice rack. The "Top Secret" opening has brought him the most success (46.7% win rate in nearly 20,000 blitz games – that’s dedication), but he’s not shy about mixing it up with defenses like the Pirc, Slav, and even the enigmatic Old Indian Defense Ukrainian Two Knights Variation, where he boasts a winning rate over 58%. If you think Leonid’s moves are predictable, think again!
When it comes to rapid chess, leonidtoronto pulls no punches either – maintaining a dazzling 82.6% win rate in his limited rapid games. That’s like solving a Rubik’s cube masterfully after having only seen the puzzle once!
Off the board, Leonid might be the calmest guy you’ll meet, but once the clock starts ticking, he’s a tactical tornado with an uncanny ability to play his best around 9 AM (best time of day confirmed by science—or at least his stats). His inclination to resign early only 0.52% of the time proves he’s in for the long haul and never gives up without a fight. Although, his tilt factor suggests the occasional "not again!" moment when things heat up – and who could blame him?
Most recently, Leonid claimed victories with his strategic brilliance against opponents such as turtIeches, dodoucb, and austrianbeerlover, showcasing both his sharp openings and endgame prowess. However, even masters stumble—he recently faced tough battles with opponents like OssiMossi1 and TheFrenchRaclette but keeps coming back stronger every game.
In a nutshell, Leonid Gerzhoy is a chess craftsman who marries patience, power, and unpredictability in every match. Whether blitzing through or taking a steady rapid pace, watch out — his moves just might flip the board and your expectations.