Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Nakamura Says Elite Chess Requires Ego and Arrogance
Hikaru Nakamura talked about what top chess players are like.
He said every elite player has an ego.
An ego means believing strongly in yourself and your abilities.
Nakamura also said top players can be arrogant.
He believes some arrogance and passion help people become very strong at chess.
Some players hide their feelings better than others.
He said this includes Indian players too.
Nakamura admitted that he also has an ego.
Hikaru Nakamura said every top chess player has an ego and some degree of arrogance.
He argued that passion and self-belief are necessary to become a very strong chess player.
Nakamura said some players are better than others at keeping their emotions private.
He rejected the idea that elite players are universally calm or free of arrogance.
Nakamura said Indian players are also not exempt from having egos, despite being viewed as respectful and soft-spoken.
- Who
- American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura discussed the attitudes of elite chess players.
- What
- Nakamura claimed that every top player has an ego and some degree of arrogance.
- When
- The remarks were made during a YouTube stream; no date was specified.
- Where
- On Nakamura’s YouTube stream.
- Why
- He said strong self-belief, passion and ego are necessary to reach the highest level of chess.
- Speaker
- Hikaru Nakamura
- Profession
- American grandmaster
- Main claim
- Every top chess player has an ego and is somewhat arrogant.
- Role of passion
- Nakamura said passion is essential for becoming a very strong player.
- Emotional control
- Some elite players are better at keeping their feelings and emotions inside.
- Indian players
- Nakamura said Indian players also have egos, despite a general perception that they are soft-spoken and respectful.