Hikaru Nakamura Calls Himself Second Best Behind Carlsen, Defends Career Amid Criticism

Key facts

• Hikaru Nakamura is ranked world No. 2 in chess, behind only Magnus Carlsen.
• Nakamura finished fifth at the 2026 FIDE Candidates, winning just one game.
• The 2026 Candidates was won by 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov.
• Nakamura qualified for the Candidates via FIDE circuit points from small open tournaments, skipping major events like Sinquefield Cup and Grand Swiss.
• Magnus Carlsen publicly defended Nakamura, calling him the second-best player in the world.
• Nakamura first attained world No. 2 ranking in 2015 and has held the spot since 2023.
• Nakamura's rating dropped to around world No. 19-20 in 2019 before his resurgence after COVID-19.

Nakamura Defends His Ranking and Career

Hikaru Nakamura has declared himself the second-best chess player in the world, behind only five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, pushing back against critics who question his credentials. The American grandmaster, currently ranked world No. 2, expressed full satisfaction with his career trajectory, saying, “Of course I’m satisfied with my career. Why would I not be satisfied?” Nakamura acknowledged a low point in 2019 when his rating plummeted to around 19th or 20th in the world, leading him to believe his professional chess career was over. However, he staged a strong comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic and has retained the No. 2 spot since 2023. He criticized the chess community for its short memory, citing how players like reigning world champion D Gukesh and 2026 Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov are judged harshly after a few poor results. “The chess world has completely lost its ability to remember anything beyond the past month,” Nakamura said.

Carlsen Endorses Nakamura as Second Best

Magnus Carlsen has thrown his weight behind Nakamura amid growing criticism following the American’s poor performance at the 2026 FIDE Candidates. In a video posted by Team Liquid Chess, where both players are teammates, Carlsen said, “I don’t think that’s a very hot take. The rating list and results in top tournaments of all formats say that he’s the second best.” Carlsen highlighted Nakamura’s resurgence after COVID-19, calling it “fantastic” and stating that Nakamura “certainly deserves” the No. 2 ranking. The Norwegian champion’s endorsement comes as a direct rebuttal to fans who questioned Nakamura’s qualification pathway and his fifth-place finish in the Candidates. Nakamura himself echoed Carlsen’s sentiment, saying, “I think the ratings don’t actually lie. I would say that in general, I had one bad tournament but Magnus correctly says that the rating list and results in top tournaments of all formats say that I’m the second best.”

Qualification Pathway Under Fire

Nakamura qualified for the 2026 Candidates by accumulating FIDE circuit points from winning small open tournaments, while skipping major events such as the Sinquefield Cup and the Grand Swiss. This pathway drew intense criticism, particularly after he finished fifth in the Candidates, winning only one game. As the highest-rated player in the tournament, Nakamura’s poor performance led some fans to question his standing. Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi remarked that Nakamura is primarily a chess content creator and only secondarily a player, adding fuel to the debate. Despite the criticism, Nakamura defended his qualification method, arguing that the chess world unfairly forgets past achievements. He pointed to the volatility of public opinion, noting how Sindarov or Gukesh could be dismissed after a couple of bad tournaments.

Carlsen Reflects on His Own Career

While defending Nakamura, Carlsen also reflected on his own career, stating that he is never satisfied despite his achievements. “No, I’m not satisfied. I’m never satisfied,” Carlsen said. “I’m very happy with a lot of my play, but I’m not done yet.” The five-time world champion relinquished the world title in 2022 but continues to compete. He returned to classical chess for the first time in 2026 on Friday, playing a draw against India’s Arjun Erigaisi at the TePe Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament. Carlsen’s comments underscore his relentless drive, even as he backs Nakamura’s standing in the chess hierarchy.

Nakamura’s Resurgence and Future Outlook

Nakamura’s career has seen dramatic highs and lows. After hitting a low in 2019, he rebuilt his game and regained the world No. 2 ranking, a position he first attained in 2015. His resurgence after COVID-19 has been marked by strong performances in top tournaments, solidifying his place behind Carlsen. Looking ahead, Nakamura remains a top contender, though questions linger about his ability to perform in high-stakes events like the Candidates. His qualification strategy may continue to draw scrutiny, but with Carlsen’s endorsement and his own confidence, Nakamura appears undeterred. The chess world now watches to see whether Nakamura can convert his rating into a Candidates victory, or whether younger players like Sindarov and Gukesh will overtake him.

The Debate Over Ratings vs. Results

The controversy surrounding Nakamura highlights a broader debate in chess: whether Elo ratings accurately reflect a player’s strength, especially when qualification pathways and tournament performances diverge. Nakamura insists ratings do not lie, while critics point to his poor Candidates showing as evidence of overranking. Carlsen’s defense of Nakamura suggests that the rating system, combined with consistent top-level results, remains the gold standard. However, the chess community’s short memory, as Nakamura himself noted, means that perceptions can shift rapidly. As the sport evolves, the tension between quantitative rankings and qualitative tournament success will likely persist, with Nakamura’s case serving as a flashpoint.

The bottom line

• Hikaru Nakamura, world No. 2, declares himself satisfied with his career and defends his ranking as second only to Magnus Carlsen.
• Magnus Carlsen publicly endorses Nakamura as the second-best player, citing rating lists and top tournament results.
• Nakamura’s qualification for the 2026 Candidates via small open tournaments drew criticism, especially after his fifth-place finish.
• Nakamura’s rating dropped to world No. 19-20 in 2019 before his post-COVID resurgence.
• Carlsen states he is never satisfied with his career and is not done yet, despite his achievements.
• The debate over Nakamura’s ranking underscores tensions between Elo ratings and tournament performance in chess.