Michael Romero NM

Michael Romero: The National Master with a Blitzing Heart

Known online as Mike24147, Michael Romero has earned the esteemed title of National Master. But don’t let the title fool you — his chess journey is a rollercoaster of thrilling wins, tough losses, and an infectious passion for the game that defies the clock and the opponent.

Born to shake up boards from bullet to rapid, Michael’s rating has steadily climbed to dizzying heights: a peak Blitz rating of 2541 in March 2025 and an explosive bullet peak of 2613 in late 2024. His daily and rapid games, while comparatively more relaxed, showcase a player always striving for precision, peaking at over 2300 in both formats.

What sets Michael apart is not just his skill, but his undying tenacity — a comeback rate nearing 74% says it all. Leave him a piece down, and watch as he claws his way back with tactical wizardry, a feat impossible without nerves of steel (or perhaps just a well-hydrated brain)! His games last an average of 65 moves whether he wins or loses — a marathon, not a sprint.

When asked about his playing style, Michael admits, “I might resign early about 12% of the time... but hey, who hasn’t been just a teensy bit impatient?” His love for complex endgames shines through, occurring in nearly 70% of his battles, demonstrating patience that some grandmasters could envy.

Statistically, he’s a grizzled fighter: his longest winning streak is an electrifying 23 games, and naturally — it’s not always rosy — he’s experienced a lengthier rough patch with a 14-game losing streak. Currently, the losing streak is two games long, so perhaps he’s plotting a dazzling comeback as you read this.

Opening Maestro

Strategic secrecy is one of Michael’s fortes, with the intriguingly named Top Secret opening accounting for over a thousand games and securing a strong winning rate. He also favors the classic and aggressive English Opening and occasionally ventures into the obscure with the brawny Richter Veresov Attack, where he sometimes dances on the edge with a modest win rate—because true artists take risks.

Memorable Games

Just recently, on June 2nd, 2025, Michael delivered a stunning checkmate victory in a Live Chess game using the Sicilian Defense Taimanov variation. With the handle Mike24147, he outmaneuvered his opponent ledzeppelin1983 in a tactical battle, proving that the art of chess is very much alive and kicking in his hands.

Off the Board

Off the 64 squares, Michael keeps things light. After all, with all the intensity of blitz and bullet chess, a bit of humor helps ward off the tilt factor—measured at a modest 14 by his own stats. He knows the value of resting those brain cells: his best time of day to dazzle opponents? Exactly 10:00 AM — prime time for high-quality moves and breakfast.

Whether facing ferocious opponents or casual challengers, Michael embraces all facets of the game with grit, charisma, and a sincere love for the checkered battlefield. One thing’s for sure — the next time you meet Mike24147 on the board, better watch your back... because he’s ready to blitz, bullet, and blitz-bullet his way to victory!