12 out of 12 against local players
The qualification process for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament is drawing increasing attention as the year progresses. One of the main figures in the race is US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, currently world number two, who has opted for an unusual route to ensure his place. Rather than relying on qualification through the World Cup or the Grand Swiss, Nakamura is targeting the rating spot, a path which requires both maintaining a very high rating and fulfilling a minimum number of rated classical games.
The regulations specify that the player who achieves the highest six-month average rating from August 2025 to January 2026, provided they play at least 40 rated classical games during that period, will be granted a place. With Fabiano Caruana already qualified through the 2024 FIDE Circuit and Magnus Carlsen not expected to participate, Nakamura is widely regarded as the strongest candidate to claim the rating qualification. His rivals, notably the Indian stars Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Arjun Erigaisi, may secure their spots via other routes, making Nakamura’s task somewhat more straightforward.
The one obstacle he faced earlier this year was the number of games. By mid-2025, he had only completed 18 classical encounters, 10 from Norway Chess and 8 from the American Cup. With 22 games still needed before the end of the year, Nakamura decided to participate in much smaller events in the United States, tournaments which would normally be far below the level of an elite GM. This decision has resulted in two victories in state competitions.
Honorary 2025 Louisiana State Chess Champion! Jokes aside, tournaments with players of all ages and backgrounds, 2-3 games a day and the typical rush to get food between games really reminds me of why I fell in love with chess all those decades ago. pic.twitter.com/8LCtliCEqQ
— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) September 1, 2025
Louisiana State Championship
At the end of August, Nakamura travelled to New Orleans to compete in the Louisiana State Championship, held at Loyola University. His participation came as a surprise to the local chess community, where the strongest regular contender was FM Nicholas Matta, rated 2344. Nakamura completed the tournament with a perfect score of 7/7, finishing ahead of Ralph Tan and Vijay Srinivas Anandh, while Matta claimed the state title as the best-placed local player.
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Although the prize fund of $3,000 was of little consequence to a player of Nakamura’s stature, each rated classical game was significant. Six of his seven encounters counted towards his required total, since the first round was played with a faster time control that did not meet FIDE’s criteria. Despite facing opponents rated several hundred points below him, the games were rated, and Nakamura added fractional rating gains, although his standing on the live list was not the primary concern.
Nakamura himself reflected on the unusual experience in his video recaps. He described it as nostalgic, a reminder of the tournaments in which he began his career. He also acknowledged that he is in the later stage of his playing life and wants to ensure he makes the most of his remaining chances to compete in Candidates cycles. His Louisiana participation was widely discussed online, with some observers praising the accessibility it provided to local players.
Hikaru Nakamura about to face his round-five opponent, 2088-rated Mark Schulingkamp | Photo: US Chess’ X account
All games by Nakamura at the Louisiana State Championship
Iowa Chess Open
Just days later, Nakamura entered the Iowa Chess Open, the 70th edition of the event, held in Iowa City. The format was a five-round Swiss, and once again he won all his games to finish clear first with 5/5. His nearest rival by rating was CM Anjaneya Rao at 2147. The average rating of his opposition was just over 2000 FIDE, but all games met the classical criteria, giving him another five towards the target.
The victory brought Nakamura’s total for the year to 29 classical games, leaving him needing only 11 more before the end of December. He also gained 4 rating points, reaching 2816 on the live list. That figure matched his career peak from a decade earlier, a notable milestone in its own right. The top prize was $750, which Nakamura indicated he would donate. Once again, the focus was not on money or rating, but on fulfilling the regulatory requirement.
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His Iowa participation also sparked discussion. Critics argued that entering such tournaments against much weaker fields risked diminishing competitive balance, while supporters emphasised that he was following the rules set by FIDE. Commentators such as Susan Polgar highlighted that Nakamura had been open about his approach, discussing it publicly in advance and streaming his games. For local players, the opportunity to face a world-class opponent was seen as invaluable.
What remains uncertain is where Nakamura will play the final 11 games he requires. What is clear is that his unconventional approach has placed him firmly on track for another shot at the Candidates, and possibly the chance to challenge for the World Championship title.
Hikaru Nakamura signing autographs in between rounds | Photo: Allie Hengen for US Chess
