Michael Sciacca (aka mkegsj)
Michael Sciacca is a spirited chess enthusiast whose journey through the 64 squares resembles an adventurous rollercoaster more than a smooth grandmaster ascent. Rated in the mid 400s to 500s in blitz and rapid formats, Michael might not be sprinting to the top of the leaderboard, but he’s certainly adding style and tenacity to every game.
Playing Style & Personality
Known for embracing the Mieses Opening and its quirky variations, Michael likes to keep opponents guessing, favoring openings that promise complexity and excitement. Anderssen’s Opening is another favorite, where he enjoys dancing on the edge with a win rate just over 51%. His games are often lively and tactical, with an impressive 74% comeback rate — a true testament to his relentless fighting spirit.
Michael is no stranger to ups and downs: his longest winning streak is a respectable 8 games, balanced by a gritty 9-game losing streak. Despite occasional tilts (a tilt factor of 9, for the record), he always bounces back, showing both resilience and a pinch of stubbornness to keep playing.
Stats & Trends
- Peak Blitz Rating: 1138 (September 2022)
- Peak Rapid Rating: 984 (August 2022)
- Total Blitz Games Played: Over 2,500 with a near-even split between wins and losses
- Opening Win Rates: His best blitz win percentage comes with the Anderssen Opening at about 51%.
- Preferred Time of Play: Michael's secret weapon: a hot streak around 11 AM when his win rate spikes to 60%.
- Playing Temperament: Low early resignation rate (3.4%) and a fondness for the endgame (appearing in nearly 70% of his matches).
Memorable Moments
Michael recently showcased his tactical prowess by delivering a swift checkmate in just 22 moves against Ernesto2204 — proof that underdogs can strike decisively. Sometimes he might lose a game by checkmate (such is the cycle), but every match is a lesson and a chuckle.
Rivals & Friends
He has tangled repeatedly with opponents like rudratiwari27 and estacion21, holding his own with a solid 60% win rate against the former despite the latter being a tougher nut to crack. Michael’s record reflects a player always willing to meet challenges head-on, even if that involves some hair-pulling moments.
The Verdict
Michael Sciacca might not be the grandmaster crossing the finish line first, but he's the competitor who brings heart, humor, and unpredictability to each battle. Whether he's plotting in the early stages, stubbornly scrapping in the endgame, or firing off surprise slapdash openings, you know you’re in for a game that’s never boring. Keep an eye on mkegsj – every underdog has their day, and every game has a story!
