Hikaru Nakamura 2025: Net Worth, Prize Money, Records, Wife
Hikaru Nakamura is a name synonymous with chess brilliance. Born on December 9, 1987, in Hirakata, Japan, Nakamura moved to the United States at a young age and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the chess world.
Known for his strategic prowess and dynamic play, he has become a prominent figure not only in traditional chess but also in the online streaming community.
In this article, you will know Hikaru Nakamura’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Hikaru Nakamura’s Biography
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hikaru Nakamura |
| Birth Date | December 9, 1987 |
| Birth Place | Hirakata, Japan |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Chess Grandmaster, Streamer |
| Height | 1.5 m |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Net Worth | $50 Million (2025) |
Hikaru Nakamura was born to a Japanese father, Shuichi Nakamura, and an American mother, Carolyn Merrow Nakamura.
His mother, a classically trained musician, moved the family to the United States when Hikaru was just 2 years old.
Early Career
Nakamura's chess journey began at age 7, showcasing his prodigious talent early on. By age 10, he had already become a chess master, setting records for his age group.
In 2003, at just 15 years old, he became the youngest American to earn the Grandmaster title, breaking the record previously held by Bobby Fischer. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable career in chess.
Professional Career
Throughout his professional career, Hikaru Nakamura has been a dominant force in American chess. He is a 5-time U.S. Chess Champion, having won the title in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019.
His international successes include victories in prestigious tournaments such as the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and the Gibraltar Chess Festival.
Nakamura's playing style, characterized by spontaneity and creativity, has captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Wife
Hikaru Nakamura, the renowned chess grandmaster, is married to Atousa Pourkashiyan. The couple tied the knot in July 2023.
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Atousa, a Woman Grandmaster, is a prominent figure in the chess community, having been a 7-time Iranian women's chess champion.
Hikaru Nakamura’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Hikaru Nakamura has a net worth of $50 million.
Contracts
- WME Agency: In June 2022, Nakamura signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas, including digital, literary, brand partnerships, non-scripted television, and licensing.
- Team SoloMid (TSM): In August 2020, Nakamura signed with the e-sports organization Team SoloMid (TSM) for a 6-figure sum. This deal marked him as one of the first chess players to join an e-sports organization, highlighting the integration of chess into the e-sports industry.
- Misfits Gaming Group: Nakamura is also associated with Misfits Gaming Group, which provides him with additional income from his streaming platforms.
Prize Money
| Year | Tournament/Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | U.S. Chess Championship | $25,000 |
| 2007 | Chess World Cup | $30,000 |
| 2009 | Cap d’Agde | $20,000 |
| 2020-08-20 | Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour Finals | $80,000 |
| 2020-05-03 | Magnus Carlsen Invitational | $45,000 |
| 2020-09-19 | Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz | $35,000 |
| 2021-12-19 | Speed Chess Championship 2021 - Main Event | $34,801.89 |
| 2022-11-07 | Global Chess.com Championship 2022 - Finals | $50,000 |
| 2022-01-11 | Agadmator Christmas Arena | $42,735.85 |
| 2022-12-19 | Speed Chess Championship 2022 | $33,040.52 |
| 2023-09-22 | Speed Chess Championship 2023 | $30,907.59 |
Endorsements
| Endorsement | Details |
|---|---|
| Chess.com | Online Chess Platform |
| Twitch | Streaming Platform |
| Various Chess Products | Sponsorships and Promotions |
Career Records
Category | Record Details |
|---|---|
Grandmaster Title | Achieved at age 15 in 2003, youngest American to do so at the time |
U.S. Chess Championships | Winner in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019 |
FIDE Peak Rating | 2816, achieved in October 2015 |
World Ranking | Highest rank was #2 in standard chess |
Rapid Chess | Peak rating of 2853, ranked World #1 |
Blitz Chess | Peak rating of 2934, ranked World #1 |
Total Games Played | 3346 games with 1437 wins, 571 losses, and 1338 draws |
Total Score | 63% win rate |
Chess Olympiad | Gold medal with the U.S. team in 2016 |
Fischer Random World Champion | Winner in 2022 |
FAQs
What is Hikaru Nakamura's age?
36 years old.
When did Nakamura become a Grandmaster?
At age 15.
How many U.S. Chess Championships has he won?
5.
What is his peak FIDE rating?
2816.
Is Nakamura involved in online streaming?
Yes, he is active on Twitch and YouTube.
What is his estimated net worth in 2025?
$50 million.
Where was he born?
Hirakata, Japan.
How tall is Hikaru Nakamura?
1.5 meters.
Does he have a wife?
Hikaru Nakamura is married to Atousa Pourkashiyan.
Has he won any international championships?
Yes, including the Fischer Random World Championship.
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