Magnus vs Hikaru

The biggest chess rivalry of the century has taken a shocking turn. Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura, the clash of the two most entertaining chess players in the world. The world champion vs the beloved streamer, number one vs number two in the rapid time controls. Solely based off their skill this matchup would be interesting, but it is the drama that has brought this too a whole new level.

The drama really only started 10 days ago when Magnus had this to say about Hikaru streaming the Lindores Abbey Rapid tournament on his twitch channel.

Magnus is referring to Hikaru promoting chess.com in his stream when the tournament is held by Magnus’s company Chess24. Hikaru is well within his rights to stream it, which chess24 has had to admit.

The tournament continued with clear tension between Magnus and Hikaru. Hikaru won the round robin while Magnus needed to win or draw in his last game to qualify for the knockout rounds. He won, no surprise.

Magnus and Hikaru both won their quarterfinal games quite easily not even needing a third mini match in their respective matches and just like that Magnus and Hikaru would be facing of in the semifinals.

Before the semifinals started though Magnus had a statement he wanted to make. He streamed himself on twitch while attempting to become the highest rated player on chess.com while using a chess24 overlay. It was quite the stream, despite the fact he failed to become number one.

I think I speak for all chess fans when I say that Magnus should stream more. A Hikaru vs Magnus rivalry on twitch would be something else.

The day finally came Magnus vs Hikaru, a rematch of their final in the Magnus Carlsen Invitational which was held a month earlier. Magnus won that match 2.5 to .5. This match was much of the same, Magnus won a dominating performance 3-0 before tweeting this.

This is a reference to an emote on twitch that conveys distress. Great trolling from Magnus playing his role as the villain.

Here is game 2 from their match where Magnus wins with the black pieces.

Hikaru struck back the next day winning a sharp game 1 before getting three straight draws to secure the day as his. 5head Hikaru of course had to come back with some trolling of his own.

Here is game 1 from there 2nd mini-match.

Hikaru has won!!!!! 5head has done it, this may be his favourite win in his ever. Coming back after getting trolled after the first game to prove to his fans and the world that he has what it takes to defeat Magnus Carlsen. This is a shock to me as I thought Magnus would do just enough to win. Hikaru definitely deserves to win against Magnus after all the previous losses. Hikaru won the mini-match 3-2 in armageddon and the match overall 2-1.

Here is the armageddon game that secured Hikaru the victory. Hikaru only needed to draw as he was playing with the black pieces. Magnus blundered a rook and Hikaru won.

Here is what Hikaru had to say after the game. It is a phrase commonly used on his stream.

Here is how Magnus responded to Hikaru.

Hopefully this rivalry continues and there will be more exciting games between them in upcoming tournament. Hikaru is not finished yet as he will now have to prepare for Daniil Dubov in the final, one of the world's most creative players and 2018 World Rapid Champion. This game certainly promises fireworks. The games will start Monday and will be streamed on GM Hikaru's channel with commentators GM Hess and WFM Botez.

This article will continue to be updated.

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