ArataIri: The Comeback King of Online Blitz
ArataIri, known on the platform as Nekosaki_Mikoto, is one of the most tireless warriors in online chess. What began as a humble 662 blitz rating in September 2018 transformed into a remarkable journey that peaked at 2670 (2026-08-02) in August 2026. With more than 21,000 rated games played, ArataIri has built a legacy defined by volume, resilience, and an almost supernatural ability to turn lost positions into wins.
Meteoric Rise
ArataIri's early rating trajectory looks like a rocket launch. After a shaky start in late 2018, something clicked in December of that year. The blitz rating exploded from the 500s to over 1200 in a single month, and by March 2019 it was knocking on the door of 2000. The grind was relentless, with more than 1,100 blitz games played in that month alone. This was a player possessed, climbing the ladder with breathtaking speed and dedication.
A Blitz Devotee Through and Through
While ArataIri has dabbled in rapid, bullet, and daily chess, blitz is clearly home. The preferred time control shows in the numbers: roughly 18,400 rated blitz games dwarf the other formats. The bullet rating also soared to 2604 in late 2020, proving the fast hands were always there. But blitz is where ArataIri truly shines, maintaining a strength-adjusted win rate near 50% against a steady diet of tough opposition.
The Comeback Artist
The most striking trait in ArataIri's profile is sheer fighting spirit. A comeback rate of 87.13% is extraordinary, and winning 45% of games after losing a piece shows a player who simply refuses to fold. The early resignation rate sits below 1%, meaning ArataIri will swindle, scramble, and squeeze until the final move. This tenacity has produced a longest winning streak of 16 games and a well earned reputation as a nightmare opponent in seemingly lost positions. Interestingly, the data suggests ArataIri plays best at 17:00, when the comeback magic is at its peak.
Opening Repertoire
As White, ArataIri is a devoted 1.d4 player, with the Queen's Gambit Declined and Gruenfeld Defense appearing hundreds of times in the game log. The Australian Defense is another frequent companion, and the wonderfully named London[redacted] Poisoned Pawn Variation has made many appearances. As Black, the Scandinavian Defense and Sicilian Defense are the bread and butter, with the Sicilian Four Knights and Closed variations featuring heavily across thousands of games.
Rivalries and Legacy
No biography of ArataIri would be complete without the epic rivalry with ninomiyakazunari, who faced ArataIri 116 times in blitz. ArataIri holds a commanding 79-33 edge in that series. Another frequent opponent, faderu4, has endured a 49-10 drubbing, while agozou3311 has suffered a lopsided 31-3 record. These rivalries helped shape ArataIri's evolution from a 600-rated beginner into a 2600-rated blitz force, and the journey is far from over.