GM Hikaru Explains Decision to Reject Lucrative Offers for Gambling Streams in Favor of Chess

Grandmaster and professional chess player GM Hikaru Nakamura recently disclosed that he declined a substantial financial offer to stream gambling content.

Earlier in 2023, Nakamura made headlines with his surprising decision to join Kick, shaking up the chess and streaming communities.

Since that announcement, he faced backlash for his gambling streams, attracting criticism for allegedly taking advantage of a younger audience.

Here’s the schedule for my upcoming chess streams. I’m currently streaming an 18+ ONLY casino show on https://t.co/8aLBKR31Tx. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it and I’ll see you back in chess soon. But if you’re an adult looking for some gambling fun, check it out! pic.twitter.com/VKmGIwCt6A

— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) April 29, 2024

Nakamura initially brushed off these criticisms, suggesting that those uninterested in his gambling segments could simply wait for his chess broadcasts. However, he later expressed a change of perspective.

During a Twitch stream, he candidly shared that he was presented with a lucrative offer to continue gambling streams but chose to decline.

“There’s a delicate balance between financial gain and engaging in activities you don’t genuinely enjoy. While many made a fuss about gambling, I only participated briefly. I hold no resentment towards those who do it, but it’s not something I wish to pursue,” he stated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT8r_u1R7l8

Hikaru Turned Down Big Bucks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT8r_u1R7l8)

Nakamura mentioned that the opportunity was to earn significantly every month, emphasizing the scale of the potential earnings.

However, he reaffirmed his decision to walk away from that tempting offer, highlighting his lack of interest in gambling and the importance of aligning his work with his passions, such as chess.

His fans have shown enthusiasm for his choice, with comments like this one calling it a “great thing.”

“Hikaru prioritizing his ethics and legacy over what would be enormous financial gain? That’s commendable, I can’t fault him for that—much respect,” another supporter remarked.

While some may find this surprising, it aligns with Nakamura’s previous statements regarding his focus on streaming being more significant to him than striving for the title of Chess World Champion.

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Image Credit: Dexerto.com