‘What has happened online actually dwarfs what Magnus has done’: Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura on chess’ streaming revolution
Hikaru Nakamura: From Chess Prodigy to Streaming Superstar
Hikaru Nakamura, a chess grandmaster, has transformed into a major gaming influencer with 4 million followers on Twitch and YouTube. While he’s still a top player, he now sees chess more as a fun escape from streaming than a top priority.
The Pandemic Boost: How Lockdowns Made Chess Cool Again
After failing to qualify for a key tournament, Nakamura switched gears to focus on streaming, which blew up during the pandemic. With everyone stuck at home, chess surged in popularity, attracting new fans seeking nostalgia and entertainment.
Chess Meets Entertainment: Why It’s More Than Just a Game
Nakamura emphasizes his mission to make chess fun and accessible, even if it ruffles some purists' feathers. Events like PogChamps show that casual play can draw massive audiences, proving chess is more than just serious competition.
Earnings Over Titles: The New World of Chess Success
Surprisingly, Nakamura now makes way more money from content creation than traditional tournaments, flipping the script on how success is measured for chess players today. Streaming is where the real cash flow is!
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