Hikaru Nakamura: Acknowledging His Chess Legacy and Ranking Behind Magnus Carlsen
Hikaru Nakamura Reflects on His Chess Journey: ‘Only Behind Magnus Carlsen’
Last Updated: May 04, 2026, 18:34 IST
In a candid reflection on his illustrious chess career, American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura expressed satisfaction with his achievements, asserting that he ranks just behind reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen. Speaking to reporters, Nakamura emphasized the importance of long-term performance over fleeting results, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the competitive chess landscape.
Nakamura, who has participated in three FIDE Candidates tournaments—his best finish being a runner-up in 2024—shared insights into his journey, particularly the challenges he faced in 2019 when his ranking plummeted to around 19th in the world. “At that point, I really thought my professional chess career was over,” he admitted, reflecting on the struggles that shaped his resilience.
The grandmaster criticized the chess community for its short memory, noting how quickly players can be judged based on recent performances. He pointed to emerging talents like D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov, cautioning against the tendency to label them as “washed” after a couple of poor tournaments. “The chess world has completely lost its ability to remember anything beyond the past month,” Nakamura remarked, highlighting the need for a broader perspective on player performance.
Since his resurgence in 2023, Nakamura has consistently ranked among the top players, and he defended the credibility of chess ratings against skeptics. “I think the ratings don’t actually lie. I had one bad tournament, but Magnus correctly says that the rating list and results in top tournaments of all formats say that I’m the second best,” he stated, reinforcing his position in the chess hierarchy.
Carlsen himself has acknowledged Nakamura’s prowess, labeling him the second-best player in the world, irrespective of his Candidates results. This endorsement comes amidst criticism of Nakamura’s path to qualification, which some argue relied on smaller open tournaments rather than major events.
As Nakamura continues to navigate the competitive chess scene, his reflections serve as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required to thrive in this demanding sport. With a career marked by highs and lows, he remains a formidable force, poised to challenge the status quo in the world of chess.