> In matches detailed in the study, Ace in April 2025 won three out of five versus elite players and lost two matches against professional players, the top skill level in the sport. Sony AI said that since then Ace beat professional players in December 2025 and last month.

What exactly is an "elite" player, if it's not a professional?

Would assume the top amateur players that don't play professionally.

Professionals play for money. Elites just do it.

So, an amateur player