Overview

• Team USA swept India 5-0 in Arlington, with Hikaru Nakamura defeating world champion D Gukesh in a bullet tiebreak before throwing Gukesh’s king into the crowd.
• Participant Levy Rozman said players were briefed to use theatrics such as tossing or toppling pieces to hype the audience, framing the moment as part of the show.
• Nakamura acknowledged he intended to throw the king if he won and later said he hoped fans enjoyed it.
• Backlash followed from prominent figures including former world champion Vladimir Kramnik and FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, while the Checkmate organisers responded with a sarcastic post defending the format.
• Dutch GM Anish Giri publicly supported Nakamura’s participation in the experimental event, and reports indicated no disciplinary action had been announced as plans for a return leg in India continue.