Hikaru Nakamura was caught in the middle of a storm for his showboating during the US VS India Checkmate. In a tournament where the US lit India 5-0, Hikaru passed over the summit after defeating the world champion D Gukesh. World No. 2 picked up Gukesh’s king from the chessboard and threw him into the home crowd and drew an exciting answer.
Hikru’s move with many former players did not go well. Russian champion Vladimir Kramnik was killed by an American player for his gesture and called him absolutely “disrespect”. Kramnik said that the way he threw Gukesh’s king and celebrated the crowd was not only vulgar, but also a sign of modern chess degradation.
“I do not know who came up with this child and tasty act. Probably this” thinker “had no special intention to humiliate Gukesh, but he could realize that this public gesture (using the opponent’s king) looks abusive and provocatively against the world champion,” Kramnik wrote on X.
As the criticism grew over the gesture, Nakamura remained in his interview with Chess India Unapologetic. “If I won, I always threw the king. The fact that it was a dramatic bullet game has improved. I hope the fans enjoyed it!” Nakamura said.
However, the Lion of Rozit, the popular chess streamer, which is called Gothamchess on the Internet, provided a unique perspective. Levy said that the theater was encouraged in this short tournament, where some of the most popular players participated.
Chess has gained incredible popularity around the world over the past five years. With more creators and some of the best players who have recently become a viral, it has remained highly visible on the Internet. Showboating is now perceived as a way to add a drama to a game that includes a minimum physical action.
“Both teams were informed that the theater was encouraged and throwing the king, knocking them, etc. to drive the crowd, was fine. It happened that he won Hikar, and quite sure he even spoke/apologized behind the scenes and said it was for the show.
The Dutch Grand Master Anish Giri shared a similar view and came out to support Nakamura. Giri, who is of Indian origin, said Hikaru simply plays the crowd and hoped to create a viral moment on the Internet.
“I am a Hikaro team here. The organizers probably tried an experimental event, did not pretend that this was the only way to play chess in the future, but just try to have fun. Hikaru just played and did something fun for memes.
Hikaru vs Shock: Drama or disrespect?
The controversy surrounding the dramatic celebration of Hikaru Nakamura emphasizes the growing tension in modern chess – the balance between tradition and entertainment. For purists such as Vladimir Kramnik, the act of throwing the opponent’s king is deeply disrespectful, especially when he is focused on the ruling world champion. This challenges the long -term values of the sport of decorum, respect and humility.
Others, however, claim that chess is evolving. Since millions are watching online and younger viewers who are involved in streamers and social media, the theater can add taste to sport that is not known for the spectacle. In this context, Nakamur’s gesture could have been less personal and more attempted to entertain and create a viral moment, especially due to the informal nature of the event.
Finally, whether it was disrespectful or just a drama depends on the perspective. But one thing is clear – chess is no longer limited to silence and softness. He enters the louder and visible era.
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Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
6th October 2025
