Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, Esports World Cup 2025

Four Knights Game (C49) · ½-½ (Draw) · 31 moves · Round 2.1.5 · 31 July 2025

♔
White
Magnus Carlsen
½ – ½
Black
Hikaru Nakamura
♚
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Moves
0 / 62

About This Game

Game summary

  • WhiteMagnus Carlsen
  • BlackHikaru Nakamura
  • Result½-½ · Draw
  • EventEsports World Cup 2025
  • Round2.1.5
  • Date31 July 2025
  • OpeningFour Knights Game (C49)
  • Length31 moves
  • Type of eventRapid

This is game 389 of 408 between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura in the Rama Chess database (2005–2025). In all their games Carlsen leads 144–82 with 182 draws.

Previous game: Carlsen vs Nakamura, 1-0 (Esports World Cup 2025, 2025).

Next game: Carlsen vs Nakamura, 0-1 (Esports World Cup 2025, 2025).

Carlsen vs Nakamura: all 408 gamesAll Carlsen games at Esports World Cup 2025Carlsen in the Four Knights GameCarlsen games of 2025Hikaru Nakamura profile

The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, Esports World Cup 2025

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.O-O O-O 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.Nxe5 Bxc3 8.dxc3 Nxe4 9.Bf4 Bf5 10.Re1 Qxd1 11.Raxd1 Nd6 12.Nd3 Rfe8 13.f3 f6 14.g4 Bg6 15.Rxe8+ Rxe8 16.Kf2 Rd8 17.Re1 Nc4 18.b3 Bxd3 19.cxd3 Nb2 20.Re7 Nxd3+ 21.Kg3 Nxf4 22.Kxf4 Rd2 23.Rxc7 Rxa2 24.Rxb7 a5 25.Ra7 Ra3 26.c4 Rxb3 27.Rxa5 Rb4 28.Rc5 Rb6 29.Ra5 Rb4 30.Rc5 Rb6 31.Ra5 Rb4 1/2-1/2

This middlegame battle sees Magnus Carlsen take on Hikaru Nakamura at Esports World Cup 2025 in 2025. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.

The game opened with Four Knights Game (C49), classical development and rapid piece play. Such positions test classical principles: development, centre, king safety.

Lasting 31 moves, the game was settled in the middlegame, where piece activity, pawn breaks and king safety all collide.

Magnus Carlsen is one of the grandmasters featured in the RamaChess archive, where you can browse their complete game collection, favourite openings and notable wins.

Working through a full game like this trains pattern recognition — the more you study, the faster you spot familiar ideas in your own play.

In the end, the game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. Step through the moves on the interactive board above and try the position trainer to sharpen your own play.

Frequently asked questions

What is the head-to-head record of Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura?

In the 408 games between them in our database (2005 to 2025) Carlsen leads 144–82 with 182 draws. This game is number 389 of 408.

Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura played?

At the Esports World Cup 2025, round 2.1.5, on 31 July 2025.

Who played this game?

This game was played between Magnus Carlsen (White) and Hikaru Nakamura (Black), at Esports World Cup 2025 in 2025.

What opening was played?

The game used Four Knights Game (ECO code C49). Classical development and rapid piece play.

What was the result?

The game was drawn between Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.

How long was the game?

The game lasted 31 moves (62 plies).

Can I replay this game move by move?

Yes. Use the interactive board on this page to step through every move, or open the analyser and Practice mode.

Where can I find more games like this?

Browse the full Four Knights Game collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.

More chess on YouTube: Stockfish100 Best Chess Channel
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