Hikaru Nakamura and the Bongcloud: The Opening That Broke the Internet

Hikaru Nakamura is known for his sharp tactics, speed chess dominance, and unpredictable style.
But nothing in his career has gone as viral as his use of the infamous Bongcloud Opening.
The Bongcloud begins with the simple moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2 — a move so bad it’s almost comical.
Traditionally, this move is seen as a beginner’s blunder, exposing the king early without reason.
Hikaru, however, turned it into a cultural phenomenon by playing it intentionally in high-profile games.
He famously used it against Magnus Carlsen in online events, leading to massive fan reactions.
Viewers flooded Twitch and YouTube with memes, edits, and clips of the Bongcloud in action.
For Hikaru, the Bongcloud wasn’t just a joke — it was a way to entertain, tilt opponents, and dominate in style.
He’s used it in bullet, blitz, and even some over-the-board games for shock value.
Fans love it because it breaks the seriousness of chess while still showing off immense skill.
Even though the Bongcloud is objectively weak, Hikaru has managed to win convincingly with it.
It has become part of his streaming brand, drawing millions of views across social media.
Many amateur players now try the Bongcloud in their own games, often with disastrous results.
The opening is a reminder that chess can be fun, creative, and rebellious.
Hikaru’s Bongcloud legacy proves that sometimes, the king’s first move is the boldest.