Arif Abdul Hafiz (aka siciliannaga)
International Master - FIDE Titled Player
Meet Arif Abdul Hafiz, better known in the chess world (and on the internet) as siciliannaga — a player whose games are as mysterious and thrilling as a secret opening in the Sicilian Defense itself. Holding the prestigious title of International Master, Arif has proven time and again that chess is not just a game, but a battleground where tactical fireworks and strategic brilliance collide.
Starting from a modest bullet rating of 1395 in mid-2014, Arif’s bullet prowess skyrocketed like a well-timed knight fork, peaking impressively at 2951 in March 2025. Not to be outdone, his blitz rating recently soared above the 3000 mark—a feat so rare, it's almost as if he’s playing chess in another dimension where time bends and opponents fall in disbelief.
Known for a versatile approach to openings, Arif's favorite weapon in bullet chess is intriguingly called “Top Secret”—a repertoire so guarded that even the NSA probably wants to crack it. It boasts a solid 52.6% win rate across thousands of games, a testament to both his creativity and consistency. Among other sharp choices, his Closed Sicilian Defense variations have brought him sweet triumphs with win rates ranging from 60% to an impressive 100% in certain lines (the nerves of his foes must be shredded).
With over 4,400 wins in bullet and 7,000+ in blitz, Arif's record resembled a rollercoaster of chess thrills — at one point holding a jaw-dropping 21-game winning streak. But like any human (or digital) being, he’s faced his share of rainstorms, enduring an 18-game losing streak. Rest assured, the comeback rate here is fierce — an 86.8% bounce-back from tough spots, showing that giving up early is not in his playbook.
Arif’s games tend to be long marathons rather than flash blazes, averaging around 80 moves per win, which might suggest that he enjoys the psychological chess battle almost as much as the tactical fireworks. And speaking of psychology, he’s got a tilt factor of 18—maybe not perfect zen, but perfectly human. Interestingly, his best time to put the opponent in their place is around 7 PM, so if you want to avoid a checkmate marathon, best not to challenge him after dinner.
Despite a slight edge in white win rate (56.4%) compared to black (49.2%), Arif proves adaptable, mastering the art of defense and counterattack equally well. When he’s down a piece, his fighting spirit shines with a 51% win rate after losing material—earning him the nickname “the comeback king” among those who appreciate a good rollercoaster.
Recent Battle Glimpses
In his most recent climb to victory, siciliannaga showcased his signature style in a closed Sicilian duel, executing precise maneuvers and timing to defeat DrTigerTAD convincingly on time. His flair for the unexpected and his indomitable spirit make his games thrilling not just to watch but to decode.
Off the Board
When not conquering chess clocks and crushing kings, Arif might be lurking quietly in the depths of opening theory or sharing a smirk over his latest "Top Secret" strategy. Legend has it, he once stunned an opponent by resigning early — but only because he’d already set up an inescapable mate in three and was just too polite to drag it out.
In short: Arif Abdul Hafiz, a.k.a. siciliannaga, is a chess warrior whose passion, skill, and good humor keep the 64 squares alive and kicking.