Chess Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura: From Player to Internet Star

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. With over four million followers on Twitch and YouTube, Nakamura has become the face of online chess. Despite his success in the digital realm, Nakamura still sees playing competitive chess as a way to take a break from streaming.

Nakamura’s journey into content creation began in 2017, but it wasn’t until he failed to qualify for the Candidates Tournament in 2019 that his career as a streamer really took off. The Covid-19 pandemic further boosted his online presence, with his follower count skyrocketing. Nakamura believes that his foresight into the potential of online chess set him apart from other top grandmasters who were initially skeptical.

While Nakamura’s earnings from streaming far surpass those from competitive chess, he remains focused on bringing the game to a wider audience. He has been instrumental in the surge of online chess popularity, with platforms like Twitch and Chess.com seeing significant growth in users. Nakamura’s efforts have not been without controversy, as he has faced criticism from purists who believe he is cheapening the game.

Looking ahead, Nakamura acknowledges that his competitive playing days may be numbered, but he is determined to continue expanding the reach of chess to new audiences. With his innovative approach and dedication to the game, Nakamura’s impact on the world of chess, both on and off the board, is undeniable.