Why Did Hikaru Nakamura Not Participate in the 2025 U.S. Chess Championships?

When the fields for the 2025 U.S. Chess Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship were announced, one name stood out for not being there: Hikaru Nakamura.

The five-time U.S. Champion, one of the most popular and recognizable American players, will not compete in this year’s national tournament. His absence has been one of the main talking points among fans, overshadowing even the expanded venue and record prize fund at the Saint Louis Chess Club.

The championships begin Oct. 12 and run through Oct. 24, bringing together 24 of the nation’s best players with more than $400,000 at stake.

Why Nakamura Is Missing

Organizers did not announce a reason for Nakamura’s absence. But among fans and chess commentators, speculation has focused on his busy international schedule, his focus on rating battles with Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, and his highly successful streaming career.

On other platforms, many argued that Nakamura no longer sees the U.S. Championship as a priority, given his status in the global elite. Some said that his online following and sponsorship opportunities outweigh the prestige of adding another national title. Others expressed disappointment, noting that his games and personality usually draw mainstream attention to the event. The fact is that he hasn’t played at the Championship since 2020.

One common sentiment was that while the 2025 field is strong, it feels incomplete without him.

A Historic Event Continues

Even without Nakamura, the championships carry weight. The U.S. Championship dates back to 1845 and has crowned legends such as Bobby Fischer, who won eight titles. The women’s event began in 1937 and has helped shape the careers of generations of players, from Gisela Kahn Gresser to Irina Krush.

The Saint Louis Chess Club, which has hosted the event annually since 2009, will showcase its newly expanded facilities this year. Organizers promise more seating, improved broadcasting studios and a schedule of cultural events, including a ceremony honoring past champions.

“This is the pinnacle of American chess,” said Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, the lead commentator. “With the new facilities, cultural events, and a celebration of our legends, October in Saint Louis will be historic.”

Caruana and So Headline Men’s Field

The 12-player U.S. Championship is still stacked with talent. Fabiano Caruana, the world No. 2 at 2825, defends his title. He has already won four national championships and enters as the top seed.

Wesley So, rated 2783, is a three-time champion and Caruana’s closest rival. Levon Aronian, who switched federations from Armenia to the U.S. in 2021, adds international prestige. Hans Niemann, one of the most closely followed young players, will draw attention as well. Veterans Leinier Dominguez and Ray Robson round out the top contenders.

Online discussion has highlighted the balance in the field. Many fans expect a tight race, with some predicting that Niemann could be a surprise challenger. Others see the Caruana-So rivalry as the defining storyline.

Yip, Yu and Lee in the Women’s Championship

The women’s championship also features 12 players. Carissa Yip, 21, comes in as the favorite after winning in 2021 and 2023. Jennifer Yu, a two-time champion, is viewed as her main rival.

The spotlight will also shine on Alice Lee, the 15-year-old prodigy who has broken several U.S. age records. Irina Krush, the eight-time champion, brings veteran experience.

Fans online say the women’s championship may be even more unpredictable than the open. Some argue Yip has already established dominance, while others see Yu’s consistency and Lee’s rapid improvement as equal threats.

Notable Absences Beyond Nakamura

Nakamura is not the only player missing. Leinier Dominguez, a top-20 grandmaster and a past competitor, is absent from this year’s lineup. His aggressive style often produced decisive games, and his absence leaves a gap in variety, fans said.

On the women’s side, Tatev Abrahamyan, a longtime competitor, is not listed. Her absence drew disappointment from followers who felt she added depth to past fields.

Chess fans on social media emphasized that while the lineups are still strong, these missing names change the dynamic of the tournament. Some framed it as a sign of the depth of American chess — strong fields remain even when major figures do not play.

Reaction From Fans

Community reaction to the announcements mixed praise with debate. Many welcomed the strength of the fields and highlighted the balance of established stars and rising talent. Others expressed concern that without Nakamura, the event might draw less mainstream media attention.

Fans also noted that prize funds and visibility at the Saint Louis Chess Club have grown, making the championships a valuable showcase for U.S. players. Still, several pointed out that international stars like Caruana and Aronian may view national titles as secondary to global competitions.

One frequently echoed idea: Nakamura’s absence shows how U.S. chess has reached a point where no single player defines the event anymore.

What’s at Stake

For Caruana, another championship would mark his fifth national crown, putting him closer to Fischer and Nakamura in the record books. For So, a return to the top would reinforce his reputation as one of the most consistent elite players in the world. Aronian and Dominguez both seek their first U.S. titles, while Niemann hopes to prove he belongs in the top tier.

In the women’s event, Yip looks to extend her reign, Yu to add another championship, and Lee to establish herself against the nation’s best. Krush remains a dangerous competitor with unmatched experience.

The open champion will receive $250,000, while the women’s champion will earn $150,000. For fans, the mix of established champions, rising stars and unexpected absences makes this year’s championships one of the most discussed in recent memory.

As one fan put it on social media, the 2025 championships may not have Nakamura, but they have “the strongest combination of experience and youth U.S. chess has put forward in years.”