Michał Kanarkiewicz

Michał Kanarkiewicz: The Streaming Grandmaster of Blitz

Meet Michał Kanarkiewicz, a Polish chess streamer whose Blitz chess journey reads like an epic novel peppered with knights, pawns, and occasional knightmare moments!

A Blitz Buff with a Sharp Rise

Starting in 2019 with a modest blitz rating around 1800, Michał didn't waste time warming up. By April 2020, he rocketed past 2100 and kept climbing with multiple peaks above 2400, reaching a peak blitz rating of an impressive 2467 by early 2025.

Master of the Sicilian

If chess openings were a mixtape, Michał’s playlist would be heavy on the Sicilian Defense, especially the Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted—where he's kept a pristine 100% win record over 42 games in blitz! Other Sicilian flavors like the Najdorf Variation and English Attack also sparkle with over 60% win rates. Clearly, when he chooses to enter the Sicilian kitchen, he brings all the culinary flair of a top chef.

Bullet and Rapid Play: Quick on the Draw

Not just a blitz specialist, Michał shines in bullet too, with a peak rating of 2406, and a rapid peak over 2100. However, his tactical genius truly lights up at blitz speed, where he has amassed a jaw-dropping 1530 wins against only 598 losses, plus a handful of draws.

Winning Streaks and Comebacks

His longest winning streak? A legendary 74 consecutive wins! And after losing a piece, his comeback rate is a phenomenal 81%. It’s as if losing a rook just fuels his determination to checkmate with style and sass.

Playing Style & Psychological Insights

Michał averages 67 moves per win, savoring the endgame like a fine wine. His 8% tilt factor suggests even he gets a bit grumpy occasionally, but hey, who doesn’t when they lose to the Smith-Morra? Most victorious when playing with the white pieces (about 70% win rate) and just as deadly with black, he resigns early in less than 0.5% of his games—not a quitter, but a fighter!

Streamer Extraordinaire

Beyond the 64 squares, Michał is a streamer who brings his audience along on thrilling tactical adventures, combining sharp chess insights with entertaining commentary. Whether it’s an elegant checkmate or a nail-biting defensive save, viewers get to see chess played at semi-GM levels peppered with personality and fun.

Memorable Battles

His most recent win was a brilliant checkmate victory over leonidas3282 in a Sicilian Delayed Alapin Variation – check out the game for a masterclass in technique and flair. And even in defeat, Michał showcases resilience, learning from losses against higher-rated opponents, always aiming for that next thrilling comeback.

Final Thoughts

With a blend of precision, speed, and streaming charm, Michał Kanarkiewicz is not just a chess player but a chess experience. Whether plotting Sicilian assaults or navigating chaotic bullet matches, he proves that chess isn’t just a game — it’s an art, a performance, and sometimes, an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.