Richard Leyva Proenza - International Master Extraordinaire
Meet Richard Leyva Proenza, also known in the cyber-chess world as RichardLeyvaP. An International Master recognized by FIDE, Richard is the kind of player whose moves you’ll want to analyze... or at least watch carefully while sipping coffee and hoping to catch a blunder from their opponent.
With a peak blitz rating soaring near the 2800 mark, and bullet ratings flirting with the high 2700s, Richard’s time on the clock is characterized by a mix of fierce tactical skirmishes and dazzling endgames. Don’t be fooled by the frantic pace of bullet chess; Richard commands respect with calm strategy executed at lightning speed.
Their recent games feature brilliant showings of the French Defense and aggressive advances in the Winawer and MacCutcheon Variations. Richard’s style embraces the chaos and complexity of sharper openings, yet steers the game to calculated endgames with an amazing 81.78% frequency of endgame appearances – proving that the game is never truly won until the kings are dancing no more.
Adventure aside, Richard’s play reveals some interesting quirks. Their best time to strike on the battlefield is around 4:00 AM UTC - a suspicious hour where legends may be born or mysteries solved. They possess an 85% success rate in comebacks and even have a knack for turning the tide after losing pieces – a true fighter who refuses to adorn the mantle of defeat easily.
Fun fact: Richard once amassed a jaw-dropping 34-game winning streak! Whether fueled by pure genius or possibly an inspirational playlist, that streak is the kind of chess magic most players only dream of. Their current winning streak of 6 games shows this master’s not slowing down any time soon.
And yet, every great champion has losses – including one on recent record due to a time scramble mishap. But let's face it, chess is 50% skill, 50% nerves, and 100% unpredictable splendor.
So, if you ever find yourself faced against Richard on the 64 squares, prepare for intense combinations, surprising endgames, and a touch of wizardry – all served with a dash of humility and a sprinkle of chess humor. Because when Richard Leyva Proenza is in the room (or server), the game is never quite boring.
Career Highlights
- Title: International Master (IM)
- Peak Blitz Rating: 2829 (June 2024)
- Peak Bullet Rating: 2738 (February 2025)
- Peak Rapid Rating: 2057 (December 2024)
- Peak Daily Rating: 1530 (February 2024)
- Longest Winning Streak: 34 games
- Tactical Strength: 85%+ successful comebacks
Signature Openings
Richard has shown affinity for the Center Game Accepted (Paulsen Berger Variation) in blitz and bullet with over 300 games and an impressive 58-64% win rate, as well as Classics like the French Defense (Winawer & MacCutcheon Variations) with strategic ferocity.
Memorable Game Highlight
Not to brag (okay, maybe a little), Richard recently crowned a game with a checkmate after dazzling use of the French Defense in a match against DonJhon in June 2025 – a tactical feast of precise moves leading to an elegant finish on move 31.