Overview
Craig Hilby, known online as TheNomNomFactor, is a FIDE International Master with a fearless, fighting style. He started his online journey in 2012 with daily and rapid games, but quickly found his true calling in faster time controls. His preferred battleground is blitz, where he has played thousands of games and built a reputation as a relentless attacker and a tough defender.
Playing Style and Strengths
Craig is an aggressive player who punishes slow starts and loves sharp positions. His stats show a remarkable comeback rate of 82.92%, and he wins 59.62% of the time even after losing a piece. He is most dangerous in the evening, with his best win rate coming at 18:00, when he wins 71.11% of his games.
- Longest winning streak: 35 games
- Longest losing streak: 25 games
- White win rate: 64.42%, Black win rate: 60.33%
Signature Openings
Craig's repertoire is built around tricky and aggressive systems. He frequently employs the Amazon Attack: Siberian Attack, a weapon he has used over 190 times in blitz with strong results. He also enjoys the Blackburne Shilling Gambit and the Czech Defense, showing a clear preference for offbeat lines that create immediate imbalance.
Rivalries
No one has faced Craig more than Leo Creger, with 238 games between them. Craig holds a solid edge in that rivalry with 135 wins. His toughest opponent has been Joshua Sheng, who leads their series 72 wins to 19, a reminder that even the most dangerous attackers meet their match.
Resilience and Records
Craig's career is defined by spectacular swings and remarkable bouncebacks. He once won 35 consecutive games, but also endured a 25 game losing streak and still returned to peak form. His bullet rating climbed to a stunning 2841 (2026-05-12), and his blitz play reached 2739 (2026-01-30), placing him among the strongest online speed players.
Legacy
Craig Hilby is the kind of player who makes online chess exciting. He plays for the win, embraces chaos, and never gives up. Whether he is grinding out a comeback or blowing through a 35 game streak, TheNomNomFactor always leaves a lasting impression.