A solid and balanced draw between Hikaru Nakamura and Gukesh to start their Day 3 matchup. The game opened with the Nimzo-Indian Defense, leading to a strategically rich middlegame full of maneuvering and subtle ideas from both sides.
The position stayed balanced throughout, and eventually the players repeated moves, agreeing to a fair draw.
A clean, professional game from both, setting the stage for the rematch, where Gukesh will have the White pieces.
We’re heading into another exciting clash here at the Champions Showdown 2025, live from St. Louis: it’s Hikaru Nakamura vs Gukesh!
Both players come into this match looking to bounce back after tough losses earlier today. Gukesh fell to Magnus Carlsen, losing both games in their mini-match, while Nakamura suffered a defeat to Fabiano Caruana.
Two sharp, creative players, both hungry to rebound, this matchup promises fighting chess from the very first move.