Paul Hollywood - The International Master of Chess
Known in the chess world by the enigmatic handle nosoggybottoms, Paul Hollywood has risen to the prestigious rank of International Master conferred by FIDE. No, he does not bake cakes on the chessboard, but his openings and tactics certainly cook up some serious heat for his opponents.
With a peak Blitz rating soaring to an impressive 2685 in September 2024 and a Bullet peak of 2675 a few months earlier, Paul has dazzled opponents with both lightning-fast moves and strategic brilliance. His Rapid play might seem modest with ratings in the 2300s, but don’t be fooled—he’s a powerhouse especially when the clock starts ticking down to nothing.
A blitz wizard, Paul's record boasts over 3992 wins against 3035 losses and a healthy dose of draws sprinkled in. Known for his tenacity and theatrical comeback rate of over 83% after losing a piece, he’s the kind of player who can turn the tide and leave you scratching your head — wondering how he pulled that rabbit out of the hat.
Paul’s opening repertoire is a secret treasure chest, but the Sicilian Defense Open Pelikan and Sveshnikov Bird Variation and the King’s Indian Defense Makogonov Variation stand out, with win rates soaring above 50%, and even around 82% for the latter. Looks like he enjoys a spicy, aggressive start almost as much as a perfectly timed croissant on a Sunday morning.
Off the board, Paul’s style is marked by an early resignation rate of less than 1%—a true fighter who sees his battles through. His games tend to be long affairs with an average of 76 moves per win, suggesting he’s part marathon runner, part tactician, always ready to outplay you in the endgame.
Fun fact: His best times to play (and win) are in the early mornings, around 8 AM, proving that a strong coffee and a keen mind make for a lethal combo.
Recently, Paul sealed a spectacular victory by checkmate against Levanzovsky, showcasing his relentless pressure and sharp calculation. However, even champions have their off days—his most recent loss came by way of time against HarryHexblade, reminding us that even International Masters aren't immune to the clock’s cruel tick-tock.
In short, Paul Hollywood is a chess player who blends dogged determination with surgical precision, and occasionally sprinkles in a bit of cheeky style. Whether blitzing through defenses or patiently building a fortress, he’s a player who commands respect, and maybe even a slice of your favorite tea-time treat.