Player of the Month: @TheMidnightExpress12
Player of the Month: @TheMidnightExpress12
Meet TheMidnightExpress12, our Chess.com Player of the Month, a globetrotter, chess enthusiast, and forum favorite. Known for his unique mix of curiosity, wit, and sometimes blunt honesty, he’s a well-loved figure in the Chess.com community. Though mostly friendly, he isn’t shy about calling out “useless” forums when he spots them, which makes for some entertaining reads.
Inspired by none other than Magnus Carlsen, TheMidnightExpress12 began his chess journey in December 2023 after a simple Google search sparked his interest. He started out loving rapid games but eventually transitioned to blitz and bullet. While he now plays whenever he feels like it, he dreams of reaching a 2,000 ELO in rapid one day, though his main goal is simply to enjoy the game and connect with others.
Speaking of connection, TheMidnightExpress12 is all about his friends. He regularly chats with other members like @KingOfBrilliancy and @dog_lover2014, among others, and can often be found hanging out in the Chess.com community forums, iChess, and any club where his friends are active. He enjoys meeting new people and is always down for a good conversation—unless, of course, it veers into pointless territory. Known for his advice to newcomers to “read the Terms of Service” first, he learned that lesson himself after an unfortunate ban for “fair play” in June. He appealed but ultimately made peace with a fresh start under a new account.
A lover of unique and tricky openings, his favorite is the Rousseau Gambit as black, a choice that tends to stump less-prepared opponents. Outside of chess, is a true citizen of the world. Born in Haiti, he’s lived in North America, Europe (Malta and Ireland), and has even traveled to Africa (Ghana). He’s also “kind of” been to South America, visiting Curacao, Panama, and Mexico. With a recent layover in Istanbul, he jokingly wonders if he can add Asia to his list of destinations. He’s fluent enough in Maltese to drop a “Bongu, Kif Inti?” and swears by the ricotta-filled treats of Malta.
One thing you might not know: TheMidnightExpress12 is also a certified Assistant Dolphin Trainer! If you visited the Curacao Sea Aquarium from September to January 2023-2024, you might have caught him working with the dolphins, waving hello to the anchovies in the background. He’s even got a soft spot for Turkish rap, appreciating the beats even if the language is a mystery. And, of course, a special shoutout goes to his beloved pet rabbit, Shara, who is missed dearly.
From his wide-ranging travels and unique hobbies to his chess goals and knack for socializing, TheMidnightExpress12 is a vibrant part of the Chess.com family—always up for a challenge, a laugh, or a new friend.
