Simen Olafsson IM

Simen Olafsson - The Fierce International Master

Meet Simen Olafsson, a titled chess gladiator who proudly holds the prestigious title of International Master from FIDE. Known online as MrBetaZero, Simen is a force to be reckoned with on the 64 squares, blending tactical wizardry with an iron will to win—except when it's time for the occasional coffee break (or a sly early resignation, 0.8% of the time, to conserve energy for the next battle).

Rating & Playing Style

With a peak blitz rating soaring to a blistering 2725 in May 2025, Simen is not your average speed demon; they also shine in bullet with a peak of 2588 and stay sharp in rapid, peaking at 2235. Blitz is their playground, where they have played over 3,200 games, embracing the mysterious "Top Secret" opening with nearly even wins and losses—a true testament to their versatility and unpredictability.

Their style? Think of a cunning strategist who rarely goes down without a fight. They boast a comeback rate of over 90%, and a psychological tilt factor of just 13, proving they keep calm even when the pressure mounts. Their games tend to be a marathon rather than a sprint, averaging about 84 moves per victory and 75 in losses, showing they enjoy the dance of complex endgames—occurring in over 80% of their matches. Bold and resilient, they perform slightly better with white (48.7% win rate) compared to black (45.2%).

Chess Highlights & Quirks

• Longest winning streak: 14 games (because who’s counting, right?).
• Known for mercilessly squeezing opponents in the Caro Kann Defense Tartakower Variation with a solid 52% win rate.
• Deep love for rapid chess—with a staggering 81% win rate in their niche rapid "Top Secret" opening games.
• Loves to keep opponents on their toes by mixing it up: from the Italian Game Two Knights (72.7% win) to the Sicilian Dragon (50%)—yes, variety fuels the fire.

Noteworthy Battles

Recently, MrBetaZero clinched a thrilling victory by time in a high-tension battle using the Trompowsky Attack Classical - Big Center Variation, showcasing not just tactical sharpness but also endurance. Yet every hero has their Kryptonite; a tough loss came in a Sicilian Four Knights Variation game, reminding us that even the best can stumble while chasing greatness.

Off The Board

Outside the board, Simen’s approach to chess mirrors their win-loss record—a near handshake of balance with 1656 wins and 1661 losses in blitz alone, with a sprinkle of draws as peace offerings. This player doesn’t just play chess; they live it, breathe it, and sometimes hilariously despair over it, making every game a story worth storytelling.

Whether grinding in bullet or planning in rapid, Simen Olafsson is a name that demands attention and respect. If you meet MrBetaZero in an online skirmish, prepare for a tactical rollercoaster—just don’t be surprised if you find yourself out of the arena on time!

“In the kingdom of chess, Simen Olafsson is truly a BetaZero-level beast with a human touch.”