Hikaru Nakamura’s journey from chess grandmaster to online influencer

In a remarkable career pivot, Hikaru Nakamura, a grandmaster and world number two in chess, has gained prominence not through the traditional chess tournaments but as a leading chess content creator online. Despite his impressive ranking, the 36-year-old Nakamura places less importance on competitive chess, viewing it more as a diversion from his primary career as an influencer on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Nakamura’s journey into the world of online streams began after he failed to qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament in November 2019. This moment, rather than being a setback, became a turning point as it led him to commit more time to streaming. His initial foray into online platforms in 2017 had already been met with modest success, but the global lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic witnessed a massive surge in his followers. By March 2021, Nakamura’s Twitch follower count had increased tenfold compared to the previous year.

The pandemic-induced lockdowns played a pivotal role in boosting the popularity of online chess. Many people, confined to their homes, turned to online entertainment, rediscovering chess as a nostalgic pastime they had enjoyed during their youth. Nakamura captivated a diverse audience with his engaging content, which showcased casual games, intricate discussions on significant matches, and more relaxed interactions with viewers.

Nakamura’s influence on the chess community is not only reflected in his substantial follower base but also in his financial success. He notes that his earnings from streaming and content creation substantially surpass those of most top chess players, suggesting that the $400,000 annual earnings typical for leading chess professionals constitute less than half his income. Paradoxically, participating in traditional chess tournaments often results in a financial loss compared to the revenue he generates through streaming and content creation.

Acknowledged for bringing chess to a global audience, Nakamura holds his role as a chess ambassador in high regard. He proudly claims that during the chess boom, which gained momentum during the pandemic, he was the only top grandmaster actively engaging with the online community. His efforts have paid off, contributing to the exponential rise in Chess.com users, which swelled to over 185 million, a significant increase from January 2020.

Nakamura’s perspective on the game is reflected in his approach to content, which often leans more towards the entertainment spectrum rather than pure professional analysis—a strategy that has sometimes stirred debate among traditionalists in the chess community. Nonetheless, his methods, including his contributions to events like PogChamps and appearances in popular culture, testify to the evolving nature of chess as both a sport and a form of entertainment.

During an interview at the Global Chess League event in London, Nakamura expressed optimism about the direction of the chess world. The league, featuring a team-based format and matches streamed online, seeks to further broaden the appeal of the game, aligning with Nakamura’s vision of making chess more engaging for a wider audience.

Despite criticism from some quarters, including prominent figures like Elon Musk, who dismissed chess as simplistic, Nakamura remains unfazed and dedicated to his mission. He sees the value of chess beyond its perceived simplicity, highlighting its educational potential.

As he contemplates the future, acknowledging the typical decline in chess prowess post-35, Nakamura plans to compete as long as he enjoys and excels in the sport. Beyond that, he remains committed to continuing his role in expanding chess’s reach worldwide, driven by a passion for innovation and engaging his audience.

Nakamura’s transformation from a chess prodigy to a digital influencer underscores a new chapter for the game, combining tradition with modernity and bridging the gap between competitive play and entertainment.

Source: Noah Wire Services