Yohan Benitah - International Master of Chess
Meet Yohan Benitah, also known online as Magicyo, a formidable International Master (IM) recognized by FIDE. With a sharp mind and a lightning-fast blitz rating soaring to a peak of 2655 as of May 2025, Yohan dances across the 64 squares with an intensity few can match.
His journey through chess ranks is nothing short of dramatic. Starting in 2018 with a blitz rating just shy of 2300, Yohan steadily crushed obstacles and opponents alike, peaking in May 2025 with a blitz rating that would make even grandmasters take notice. His mastery isn’t confined to blitz alone; he has also achieved a rapid peak rating of 2416 and a bullet peak near 2345, proving his versatility across all fast-paced formats where speed and accuracy collide.
Playing Style & Psychological Prowess
Yohan's games are like thrilling chess novels—long battles averaging over 75 moves where his tactical awareness shines bright. Don't be fooled if he sometimes resigns early (just about 0.3% of the time) — that’s strategic efficiency, not surrender! His tenacity shows in an astounding 82.6% comeback rate when trailing, making him a nightmare for anyone expecting an easy point.
Known for patience and endurance, he flexes his endgame skills in about 81% of his matches. Whether playing white or black, Yohan holds a solid win rate hovering around 55.9% with white pieces and a respectable 47.8% with black. His preferred moments for brilliance? Early mornings around 8 AM (beyond being the best time to play, it’s likely when the coffee kicks in).
Opening Secrets Revealed
Yohan’s opening repertoire is a cryptic treasure chest labeled "Top Secret" in his records, where he has logged over 2200 blitz games with a healthy 51.4% win rate. When he's feeling adventurous, he frequently excels with variations of the Slav Defense, Dutch Defense Leningrad Variation, and the Sicilian Defense Canal Attack, often leaving his opponents wondering what just happened.
Battle Stories from the Board
His recent victories tell tales of tactical precision and endurance. In a thrilling May 2025 game against kyIekorver, Yohan wielded the Dutch Defense Leningrad Variation with surgical finesse, forcing his opponent to resign after a relentless offensive that saw rook and queen dominion across the board. The final moves? A crescendo of pressure culminating in a checkmate threat too venomous to resist.
Of course, even masters have their off days. A tough match against Dragonzprem saw Yohan falling victim to a checkmate after a hard-fought positional struggle, proving that every legend learns from a stumble.
Fun Facts & Stats
- Total blitz wins: 1190
- Total blitz losses: 943
- Rapid wins: 5, losses: 2
- Bullet wins: 19, losses: 6
- Longest winning streak: 12 games
- Never one to hold a grudge, Yohan’s tilt factor is a humble 9 — better than most of us in a coffee line.
- His game hours glory? Noon to early afternoon, boasting win percentages as high as 70% around midday!
In the ever-exciting world of fast chess, Yohan “Magicyo” Benitah is a force that blends tenacity, charisma, and a secret sauce of "Top Secret" openings—making him a delight to watch and a formidable foe to face.