Hikaru Nakamura is a globally recognized chess grandmaster, famous for his fast and lightning-fast chess playing skills.
Born in Japan and raised in America, Nakamura became one of the youngest chess grandmasters in history.
His reputation skyrocketed thanks to his achievements in major international chess tournaments, including multiple US championships and global titles in Blitz Chess and Fischer Random Chess.
In addition to his tournament success, Nakamura also became a popular figure through his chess livestreams on Twitch and YouTube, bringing new audiences to the game.
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- Full name: Hikaru Nakamura
- Date of birth: December 9, 1987
- Age: 37 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Chess Grandmaster, Streamer
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Parents: Shuichi Nakamura (father), Carolyn Weeramantry (mother)
- Siblings: Asuka Nakamura (older brother)
- Spouse: Not applicable
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Single
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Japanese American
- Net worth: 50 million USD
Early life and education
Hikaru Nakamura was born on December 9, 1987 in Hirakata, Japan.
At the age of two, Nakamura moved with his family to the United States, where he grew up under the tutelage of his Sri Lankan stepfather, Sunil Weeramantry, a famous chess coach.
Hikaru’s mother, Carolyn Weeramantry, played an important role in Hikaru’s early development, along with her brother Asuka, who also became a skilled chess player.
By the age of seven, Nakamura began participating in chess tournaments, demonstrating outstanding skills at an early age.
Hikaru was awarded the title of grandmaster at age 15, making him the youngest American to achieve the title.
Although he attended Dickinson College, Nakamura focused more on his chess career, eventually deciding to pursue it professionally.
His chess talent, combined with his innovative strategies, quickly propelled him to a higher position in the global chess scene.
Personal life
Hikaru Nakamura largely keeps his personal life private. Currently, he is not married and has no children.
Although there have been no confirmed reports of a long-term relationship, Nakamura has mentioned his love of travel and food in interviews and broadcasts.
He spends most of his time playing chess professionally, streaming online, and traveling for tournaments.
Career
Nakamura’s chess career started early when he became a grandmaster at the age of 15. Since then, he has won five US championship titles and many international awards, including a victory at the Chess Tournament. King Tata Steel and the Gibraltar Chess Congress.
Nakamura regularly competes in top-level tournaments around the world and is known as one of the best blitz and bullet players.
In 2023, he won the prestigious Norwegian Chess tournament by defeating Fabiano Caruana in a thrilling final round, raising his FIDE ranking to No. 2 globally.
Nakamura is widely appreciated for his dynamic and aggressive playing style, which is especially evident in fast formats.
prize
- US Chess Champion: 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2019
- Tata Steel Chess Tournament Winner: 2011
- Winner, Gibraltar Chess Festival: 2016
- Winner, Fischer Random World Championship: 2019
- Winner, Norwegian Chess: 2023
- 5-time speed chess champion
- Countless wins in lightning and quick tournaments
Net worth
Hikaru Nakamura’s net worth is estimated at $50 million. His income comes from chess tournament winnings, sponsorships, and a successful streaming career.
His partnerships with organizations such as Misfits Gaming and digital content creation through Twitch and YouTube contribute significantly to his income, and his regular participation in chess events has High odds.
Argumentative
During his career, Hikaru Nakamura has been involved in a number of controversies, especially surrounding his outspoken nature.
Most notably, Nakamura was embroiled in a 2022 controversy involving chess player Hans Niemann.
Niemann accused Nakamura and other leading chess figures of defamation following Nakamura’s public commentary on Niemann’s alleged cheating scandal.
In response, Nakamura was sued by Niemann for $100 million, although Nakamura defended his statements as fair criticism.
The controversy dominated the chess media at the end of 2022 and Nakamura’s reputation was temporarily affected by some fans. However, his widespread online popularity helped him weather the storm.
Nakamura often expressed his views on the changing landscape of chess, sometimes clashing with more traditional players or organizers.
Despite these occasional problems, Nakamura remains one of the most influential and followed figures in the game.
Social Media
- Instagram: @gmhikaru
- Twitter: @GMHikaru
Book
- Bullet Chess: One Minute to Mating (with Bruce Harper)
- The road to improving chess (contributor)
