Hikaru Nakamura commented on Magnus Carlsen’s performance at the FIDE World Rapid Team Chess Championship 2026. Nakamura says multiple losses in a row are uncharacteristic for Magnus, and questions the title of the best player in the world.

Hikaru Nakamura

Hikaru Nakamura

American GM, streamer

“Yesterday Magnus suffered a shocking two defeats in a row to finish the day. It’s very uncharacteristic for him.

But Magnus Carlsen is a great fighter, and we expect him to come back in fighting form.

It also begs the question with Magnus suffering for a second event in a row, whether we’re starting to see a shift in the generations. And whether the young players are finally starting to prove that they’re ready to step up and take the mantle of being the greatest player in the world.”

The 2026 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship took place from June 17 to 19, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Magnus Carlsen lost 4 games in a row over days 2 and 3 of the tournament. Magnus lost 28.8 points in the live Rapid rating and dropped to 2803.2. This is Carlsen’s lowest rating since FIDE introduced Rapid ratings in 2012. Magnus’s team, WR Chess, finished in 18th place.

Credit: Crystal Fuller