Hans Niemann’s take on Nakamura’s Road to Candidates 2026

Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, the world’s number-two ranked chess player, continued his quest for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament by dominating the 70th Iowa Open Chess Championship. The five-round Swiss tournament, held at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa City, saw Nakamura deliver a flawless 5.0/5 performance, further solidifying his path toward qualifying for the prestigious event that determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship.

Nakamura’s Road to Candidates happens parallel to the Grand Swiss 2025. One of the participants there, Hans Niemann, stated his opinion about Nakamura’s participation in state events. “We’re up here playing real Chess, and he’s playing Amateurs? It is so stupid!” See the whole video by Chessbase India and what Hans Niemann suggests below.

Nakamura road to Candidates 2026 so far

09.01.2025 Hikaru Nakamura wins Louisiana State Chess in a bid for Candidates 2026 spot
09.06.2025 Hikaru Nakamura continues his quest for Candidates Chess 2026
09.06.2025 Hikaru Nakamura, “I will collect all US State Chess Championship Honorary Titles on my Road to the Candidates 2026”
09.07.2025 Iowa Chess Open Championship 2025 LIVE
09.08.2025 Hikaru Nakamura with 5,0/5 in Iowa on the road to Candidates Chess 2026
09.09.2025 Hans Niemann’s take on Nakamura’s Road to Candidates 2026