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. 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.

Nakamura’s journey into content creation began in 2017, but it was his failure to qualify for the Candidates Tournament in 2019 that propelled his career in streaming. The Covid-19 pandemic further boosted his online presence, with his follower count skyrocketing. Despite his success, Nakamura admits that most tournaments he plays in result in a net loss financially, as he earns more from streaming.

The popularity of online chess has surged in recent years, with platforms like Twitch and Chess.com seeing a significant increase in users. Nakamura believes that the online chess revolution has surpassed even the achievements of world champion Magnus Carlsen. He remains focused on bringing chess to a wider audience and exploring new ways to engage fans.

As Nakamura continues to balance his competitive chess career with his online presence, he remains committed to expanding the reach of the game and creating new opportunities for fans to engage with chess. His journey from grandmaster to internet sensation showcases the evolving landscape of chess in the digital age.