NBA Superstar Requested Chess Partner On Rainy Day In NYC

NBA superstar Victor "Wemby" Wembanyama turned a rainy day in New York City into an unforgettable experience when he invited fans to play chess with him in Washington Square Park on Saturday. 

The 7'3" (2.21 cm) San Antonio Spurs sensation, who hails from France, is one of the NBA's greatest prospects and won the 2024 Rookie of the Year award. However, he is not just making waves on the basketball court; he also has a passion for chess. 

On Friday, after facing off against the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week, Wembanyama tweeted to his 371,000 X/Twitter followers asking for recommendations on the best places to play chess in the city.

The tweet quickly garnered attention, including a response from IM Levy Rozman, also known as GothamChess, who suggested to join him at the World Rapid Championship.

Dear Victor,

Please come here tomorrow at 1:30pm eastern time.

Wear jeans. pic.twitter.com/mcp6blC7yM

— GothamChess (@GothamChess) December 28, 2024

Wemby followed up just 10 hours later with an open invitation to fans. 

Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

Despite the gloomy weather, around 30 to 40 people showed up to take on the NBA star. Among them was Chess.com's Product Manager Dylan Rittman, who got to play a friendly game against the basketball legend.

"Victor was very nice and gracious, and he was always smiling," Rittman told Chess.com, adding that he was talking to fans, while also focused on the game. "And the rain didn't even bother him!"

Victor was very nice and gracious, and he was always smiling.

—Dylan Rittman on playing Victor "Wemby" Wembanyama

The game against his 1800-rated opponent didn't go well for the NBA star, who went for the French Defense. Rittman shared more about his experience in a Reddit post. Here is the game:

The chess session was later shared by NBA's official account.

POV: You’re playing chess with @wemby on a Saturday morning in Washington Square Park ♟️🗽 pic.twitter.com/gnxdvPE69l

— NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2024

After the games, Wemby showed his appreciation by sharing a picture with fans: "Thanks to everyone who showed up!"

Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/qblm9xzOfL

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

When asked why he decided to play chess, Wemby responded:

"I don’t know. I was just feeling like it."

-Wemby on why he decided to play chess with fans at Washington Square Park 😅🔥

(w/ @mollyhannahm) pic.twitter.com/JkQYOFEagz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 28, 2024

Wembanyama's love for chess reflects a growing trend among NBA players. In February, GQ Magazine reported on the chess boom among basketball's biggest stars in their piece "Why Be a Point Guard When You Can Be a Grandmaster?" noting how they have embraced chess as a mental exercise and competitive outlet off the court.

“I completely fell in love with the game. When you really lock in for a good chess match, there's nothing like it. You have to anticipate and see what could happen. It's kind of the same decision-making on the court," Boston Celtics Kristaps Porzingis said. He revealed he had streamed a 30-minute video of him playing chess on his Chess.com app from his hotel room.

Other members of the "NBA chess club" include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Derrick Rose, Luka Doncic, broadcast commentator Jay Williams, and basketball executive Daryl Morey.

Chess.com wholeheartedly supports Wemby's idea.

We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner https://t.co/OyudB2t4io

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024