I learned a long time ago ...... take part in the competition with everything you got even in the face of certain defeat.
I've won unbeatable competitions in these situations before .... it's never happened often ..... but the sight of your completely baffled and confused opponents as you beat them in an unbeatable game is the most rewarding thing ever.
When I'm in a competition and my opponent is better than me but I know that afterwards my friends will take me to the bar and buy me rounds and make me laugh to commemorate my utter humiliation. 🥳