Chess Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura: From No. 2 in the World to Internet Stardom

Chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, ranked No. 2 in the world, has made a name for himself not just on the chessboard, but also as a content creator. In an interview with CNN Sport, Nakamura revealed that he sees playing chess as a way to take a break from streaming, rather than the other way around. With over four million followers on Twitch and YouTube, Nakamura has become the face of online chess, attracting a wide audience during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nakamura’s foray into streaming began in 2017, but it wasn’t until he failed to qualify for the Candidates Tournament in 2019 that his career as a content creator took off. His follower count skyrocketed during the pandemic, with more than 10 times as many Twitch followers by March 2021. Despite his success, Nakamura admits that most tournaments he plays in are a net loss financially, as he earns more through streaming.

The popularity of online chess has grown significantly in recent years, with top tournaments now streamed worldwide and platforms like Chess.com seeing a 324% increase in users since January 2020. Nakamura believes that the online chess revolution has surpassed even the achievements of world champion Magnus Carlsen.

While Nakamura’s approach to growing the game has faced criticism from some purists, he remains focused on reaching a wider audience and bringing chess to new heights. As he nears the end of his competitive career, Nakamura is determined to continue innovating and engaging fans with new events and ideas.

Overall, Nakamura’s journey from chess prodigy to internet sensation showcases the evolving landscape of the game and the impact of online platforms in bringing chess to a global audience.