Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, Esports World Cup 2025
King's Indian Defense (E90) · 0-1 (Hikaru Nakamura won) · 39 moves · Round 2.1.3 · 31 July 2025
About This Game
Game summary
- WhiteMagnus Carlsen
- BlackHikaru Nakamura
- Result0-1 · Hikaru Nakamura won
- EventEsports World Cup 2025
- Round2.1.3
- Date31 July 2025
- OpeningKing's Indian Defense (E90)
- Length39 moves
- Type of eventRapid
This is game 390 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, ½-½ (Esports World Cup 2025, 2025).
Next game: Carlsen vs Nakamura, 1-0 (Titled Tue 12th Aug Late, 2025).
The moves of Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, Esports World Cup 2025
In this encounter Magnus Carlsen had the white pieces against Hikaru Nakamura at Esports World Cup 2025 in 2025. The game dates from the contemporary engine era.
The game opened with King's Indian Defense (E90), a strategic battle of structure and activity. In these systems both sides manoeuvre carefully before committing.
Lasting 39 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.
Games like this are useful at every level: opening principles for beginners, middlegame plans for club players, fine technique for experts.
When the dust settled, Hikaru Nakamura won with the black pieces. 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 390 of 408.
Where and when was Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura played?
At the Esports World Cup 2025, round 2.1.3, 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 King's Indian Defense (ECO code E90). A strategic battle of structure and activity.
What was the result?
Hikaru Nakamura won with the black pieces.
How long was the game?
The game lasted 39 moves (78 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 King's Indian Defense collection, Magnus Carlsen's complete game archive, and thousands more grandmaster games in the RamaChess archive.