A rivalry that’s capturing the attention of the chess world is set to heat up once again. Following a controversial exhibition game where Hikaru Nakamura celebrated by throwing D Gukesh’s king into the crowd, the two grandmasters will face off later this month at the St. Louis Chess Club in what promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and tension.
The incident that sparked controversy
The controversy erupted during a recent exhibition match between the American and Indian grandmasters. Nakamura secured a dramatic back-rank checkmate against Gukesh in the bullet game of the series. After the win, Nakamura tossed D Gukesh’s king into the crowd, urging spectators to cheer louder.
Speaking to ChessBase India, Hikaru Nakamura defended his actions, stating, "If I won, I was always going to throw the king. The fact that it was a dramatic bullet game, made it even better. I hope the fans enjoyed it!"
While some criticized the act as unsportsmanlike, others saw it as a playful yet bold display of showmanship, adding fuel to an emerging rivalry that could define the next chapter of competitive chess.
The upcoming rematch: Clutch chess
The rematch is scheduled for October 27-29, 2025, at the Saint Louis Chess Club during the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown. The event will feature top-tier competition with legends like Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov also participating in an exhibition match.
This high-profile showdown will see Hikaru Nakamura and D Gukesh renew their battles after their prior encounters included drawn 10-minute and 5-minute games, with the bullet game ultimately deciding the winner. Fans can expect intense strategic plays and possibly more theatrical moments, given Nakamura’s flair for dramatic finishes.
Looking Ahead: Global chess league showdowns
Beyond St. Louis, the rivalry will extend to the Global Chess League later this year. Gukesh will represent the Alaskan Knights, while Nakamura will play for the American Gambits, setting the stage for multiple encounters in a competitive team format.
For D Gukesh, the challenge is part of his growing legacy, coming off recent successes in the World Chess Championship and high-level encounters with Magnus Carlsen. Facing Hikaru Nakamura, known for his speed and creativity in bullet chess, will be both a test and an opportunity to showcase his skill on a global stage.
The chess world now eagerly anticipates how this rivalry will unfold, blending high-stakes matches, dramatic flair, and the intense competitive spirit of two of the game’s most exciting young talents.