Hikaru Nakamura responds to critics: “I’m not farming for rating at state championships”

When Hikaru Nakamura sat down in Iowa City for the first round of the 70th Iowa Open, the story wasn’t about whether he would win. The story was why one of the world’s top grandmasters, with a FIDE rating above 2800, was competing in a state-level tournament with a $750 first prize and opponents often rated more than 1,000 points below him.

Critics online were quick to dismiss his participation as “farming minnows” – scooping up easy points against lower-rated players. But Nakamura himself pushed back forcefully after his first-round victory, releasing a detailed video response in which he addressed the controversy head-on.

“It’s not about farming”

In his recap following a smooth win over Benjamin Darr, rated 1915, Nakamura directly confronted the narrative that he is exploiting state events to boost his rating.

“When I play these tournaments, it is not about farming for rating,” he said. “I’m simply trying to get my 40 classical games of chess in before the end of the year.”

That requirement – to play at least 40 classical games in 2025 – comes from FIDE’s rules for Candidates Tournament qualification. Without it, Nakamura cannot use the rating spot as a path to the 2026 Candidates, even if his Elo remains among the highest in the world. Having only logged 18 classical games earlier this year, he needs every opportunity he can find to reach the minimum.

For Nakamura, then, entering Louisiana last weekend and Iowa this weekend is not about padding his numbers. It is about satisfying the letter of FIDE’s regulations.

The Louisiana–Iowa double

Nakamura’s participation in Iowa followed closely on the heels of his perfect 7/7 run at the Louisiana State Championship. That victory sparked widespread debate about whether the qualification system unfairly allows elite players to stockpile games at lower-level events.

In fact, his decision to register in Louisiana had already raised eyebrows, as he headlined the state championship against a mostly amateur field. After sweeping the event, online forums accused him of “rating farming,” an accusation detailed in reports such as this one.

Now in Iowa, the mission continued. The five-round open offered him not financial gain – “First prize is only about $750, if I’m not mistaken,” he noted – but the chance to add five more games to his total. After this weekend, Nakamura will have 29 games completed, still short of the required 40 but far closer to the target.

Facing criticism head-on

Nakamura did not ignore the backlash. In fact, he seemed to anticipate it.

“I know some people will probably be very critical of me playing this tournament,” he said. “Do I expect to go perfect and maybe challenge Magnus for number one? No. At some point I’ll yield at least a draw. But for me, it’s not about farming. It’s about playing, about giving back to local communities, and simply trying to get to the Candidates. There is no other goal on my mind whatsoever.”

He was also clear-eyed about the perception problem. To outside observers, watching a world-class grandmaster dispatch players rated 1800–2000 may look like sport fishing. To Nakamura, though, the choice is pragmatic: either play wherever games are available, or miss the Candidates altogether.

This was precisely the dynamic highlighted when he entered the Iowa Open, where his presence overshadowed the modest prize fund and gave local players a chance they never expected.

Iowa’s once-in-a-lifetime moment

For his first-round opponent, Benjamin Darr, the experience was unforgettable regardless of the outcome. Nakamura dismantled him in under 30 moves, finishing the game with more time on his clock than when it started – thanks to the 30-second increment. For a local player rated 1915, lasting 25 moves against a 2800+ grandmaster was an achievement in itself.

And for many in Iowa, Nakamura’s presence elevated the entire tournament. Lower-rated players saw it as a rare chance to sit across the board from one of the most famous names in modern chess. Juniors and hobbyists collected stories and photos. Even hotel staff, unused to hosting such a figure, noticed the excitement.

Criticism online may focus on rating integrity, but in Iowa City the tone was celebratory.

The Candidates race

Underlying this debate is the bigger picture: Nakamura’s pursuit of a world championship shot. To qualify for the Candidates by rating, he must not only stay near the top of the global Elo list but also fulfill the 40-game requirement.

That rule is intended to ensure fairness – preventing players from coasting on old ratings while avoiding risk. But for someone like Nakamura, who balances professional streaming with competitive play, it creates unusual incentives. Elite round-robins like Norway Chess or Tata Steel may only provide 10–13 classical games. To reach 40, he must supplement them with smaller events.

This is why state championships, usually reserved for regional masters and ambitious amateurs, now find themselves hosting a global superstar.

A balancing act

Nakamura himself seems aware of how surreal this looks. “I don’t expect every game to be easy,” he admitted after his round one win. “Even though I’ve won all seven rated games so far since I started this journey, I don’t expect to win every game. It’s just about getting the games in.”

He also positioned his participation as a way of “giving back.” By appearing in states like Louisiana and Iowa, he brings attention and prestige to tournaments that otherwise would attract little national notice. His presence not only boosts attendance but also inspires younger players.

What comes next

With Louisiana and Iowa adding 12 games to his total, Nakamura still has 11 more to play before the year ends. That likely means more appearances at regional events – Minnesota, Illinois, or Wisconsin could be on the horizon.

The bigger question is whether FIDE will reconsider the rules that create these situations. Some argue that elite players should not be forced into state opens just to meet a game quota. Others believe the rule ensures exactly what it’s meant to: that top players stay active and visible.

For Nakamura, though, the path is straightforward. He will keep entering wherever the games are available until he reaches 40. Along the way, state champions and club players will have the chance of a lifetime to face him, even if only briefly.

Watch Hikaru’s games at the 70th Iowa Open Championship here

FAQ: Hikaru Nakamura and the State Championships Debate

Why is Hikaru Nakamura playing in state championships instead of elite tournaments?
Nakamura has explained that he enjoys supporting local chess communities and using these events as warm-ups. While some critics say he’s “farming ratings,” Hikaru insists that’s not his goal.

What does “rating farming” mean in chess?
“Rating farming” refers to a higher-rated player seeking easier opponents to gain Elo points with minimal risk. Many argue that state events with amateur players allow elite grandmasters to do this.

Has Hikaru been accused of this before?
Yes. He faced similar debates at the Louisiana State Championship earlier in 2025, where his participation sparked headlines like “Hikaru Nakamura sweeps Louisiana State Championship, sparks debate over Candidates path”.

Did Hikaru “farm minnows” at the Iowa Championship too?
In Iowa, he famously won his first game against a 1915-rated player while even finishing with more time than he started with—a moment that drew both jokes and criticism. We covered it in detail here.

What does this mean for his chances at the Candidates?
While wins at smaller events don’t carry the same weight as elite tournaments, every Elo point counts. Hikaru’s path toward the Candidates has already become a major talking point, as seen in our coverage of the Louisiana State Championship.

How are fans reacting?
Opinions are divided. Some believe Hikaru is boosting visibility for state tournaments, while others think it undermines the competitive balance of the rating system.