Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Hikaru Nakamura
December 9, 1987
Hirakata, Japan
38 Years Old
Sagittarius
Who Is Hikaru Nakamura?
Christopher Hikaru Nakamura is an American chess grandmaster, streamer, and YouTuber, widely recognized for his aggressive playing style. He holds five US Chess Championship titles and a top-ten world ranking in the classical format.
His breakout moment in the public eye came with his dominant rise as a top Twitch chess streamer, contributing significantly to the online chess boom. Nakamura is frequently seen with his signature headphones.
Early Life and Education
His family moved to the United States when he was two, settling in White Plains, New York. His American mother, Carolyn Merrow Nakamura, a classically trained musician, and his stepfather, FIDE Master Sunil Weeramantry, nurtured his early talent; Weeramantry coached Hikaru from age seven.
Nakamura quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest American chess master at age ten and a grandmaster by 15. He later attended Dickinson College, taking a partial scholarship, notably for a period to step back from competitive chess.
Notable Relationships
Currently, Christopher Hikaru Nakamura is married to Iranian-American Woman Grandmaster Atousa Pourkashiyan. The couple tied the knot in 2023, and in July 2025, they announced they were expecting their first child.
Nakamura and Pourkashiyan frequently attend chess events together, showcasing a shared passion for the game. His decision to prioritize family led to a notable absence from the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals, which conflicted with the anticipated birth of their child.
Career Highlights
Hikaru Nakamura's career in chess is marked by numerous triumphs, including five US Chess Championship titles in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. He also secured the 2011 Tata Steel Group A victory, a prestigious win against a field of world champions.
Beyond traditional tournaments, Nakamura has expanded his influence into online platforms, becoming a top Twitch streamer and YouTuber. He played a pivotal role in the global “chess boom” of the 2020s, popularizing the game through his engaging content.
Nakamura's achievements include winning the 2022 World Fischer Random Chess Champion title and multiple Speed Chess Championships, solidifying his status as a rapid and blitz chess specialist.
Signature Quote
“The single most important thing in life is to believe in yourself regardless of what everyone else says.”