
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Hikaru Nakamura’s dramatic celebration at Checkmate: USA vs India — where he tossed Gukesh’s king into the crowd — has ignited one of the most polarizing debates in modern chess. In this video, we explore the full controversy surrounding Hikaru’s actions, from the passionate defense by commentators like Nemo to sharp criticism from figures like Kevin Goh Wei Ming. Was it enthusiasm in a high-energy exhibition, or did it cross the line of sportsmanship? We break down the reactions from the chess community, including insights from John Bartholomew, Neetu Khandelwal, and others, to understand what this moment means for the future of chess as a spectator sport.
By Maverick ChessHikaru Nakamura’s dramatic celebration at Checkmate: USA vs India — where he tossed Gukesh’s king into the crowd — has ignited one of the most polarizing debates in modern chess. In this video, we explore the full controversy surrounding Hikaru’s actions, from the passionate defense by commentators like Nemo to sharp criticism from figures like Kevin Goh Wei Ming. Was it enthusiasm in a high-energy exhibition, or did it cross the line of sportsmanship? We break down the reactions from the chess community, including insights from John Bartholomew, Neetu Khandelwal, and others, to understand what this moment means for the future of chess as a spectator sport.