Meftahi Houssem - aka "tunisianking"
International Master Extraordinaire & Pulse-Raiser of the Chessboard
Meet Meftahi Houssem, a chess warrior who proudly carries the title of International Master bestowed by FIDE—a badge earned after many blood, sweat, and pawns shed on 64 squares across the globe (and the internet). Known to fans and foes alike as tunisianking, Houssem is a tactician who blends cunning strategy with just the right amount of bravado.
Ratings & Stats Snapshot:
- Peak Blitz Rating: 2411 (March 2019) - lightning-fast reflexes with a touch of madness
- Peak Rapid Rating: 2329 (August 2020) - the perfect storm of speed and depth
- Peak Bullet Rating: 2148 (March 2019) - blink and you miss it
- Total Blitz wins: 45, with a nearly equal number of losses (hey, the greats do lose sometimes)
- Strong comeback skills: 71% comeback rate after setbacks shows a heart that refuses to quit.
Playing Style & Quirks
With an average game length of around 60 moves, tunisianking enjoys the long, grinding battles where endgames become an art form. A patient predator, they tend to avoid early resignations, sticking to fighting until the bitter end, whether losing or winning. Intriguingly, white pieces bring a bit more luck (winning 54.4% of games) compared to black, proving that sometimes, first moves matter.
Beware though: the psychological tilt factor stands at a modest 6, meaning every loss or blunder might cause just a pinch of frustration—nothing a cup of coffee (or a regal queen sacrifice) can't fix. Peak performance hours? When most are winding down, Meftahi’s gears go up: at 9 PM (21:00) the magic happens.
Signature Achievements and Opponents
They've faced numerous foes, with a legendary 100% win rate against many (bexbhowen, yeshugz, psychokiller3000, and more — a veritable who’s who of vanquished challengers). The fiercest rivalries see a respectable 60% win rate (notably against katoma), ensuring every encounter remains a nailbiter.
Opening repertoire is kept "Top Secret," but stats reveal almost a 48% win rate in Blitz and a solid 80% in Rapid. Clearly, unpredictability is in their arsenal—and it keeps opponents guessing and sweating.
Memorable Moments from the Board
One of the most recent crowning victories was a blitz match in February 2022, where tunisianking brilliantly checkmated an opponent after a fierce exchange dance featuring the Queen’s Gambit Declined Marshall Gambit. They also showcase gritty wins on time pressure, proving stamina isn't just for marathons.
The Lighter Side of the Game
If chess matches were novels, Meftahi’s would be thrillers with surprise twists and dramatic comebacks. Losing streak? Yes, there was a notorious 6-game skid that even Shakespeare would script. But with a comeback rate over 70%, it’s clear Houssem believes: “The king may fall, but the game is never over until the last bishop is captured.”
Whether grinding in blitz, bullet, or rapid, Meftahi Houssem — aka tunisianking — is a force on the board who combines skill, resilience, and a good dash of humor. Watch out, chess world. The king is here to stay.