Magnus Carlsen vs Hikaru Nakamura
Magnus Carlsen (36, GM, NOR) and Hikaru Nakamura (39, GM, USA) have met 43 times in classical OTB. Carlsen leads with 14 wins to 1, with 28 draws — a 65% draw rate. Their last meeting at 2025 Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown drew. With current classical ratings of 2840 and 2792, the Elo model gives Carlsen a 50% chance of winning a classical game with white.
Head-to-Head Score
If they played today · Classical
Based on current Elo: 2840 vs 2792 (Δ +48)
With Magnus Carlsen as white
50% Magnus24% draw26% Hikaru
With Hikaru Nakamura as white
37% Magnus29% draw34% Hikaru
Estimate from Elo only · doesn't account for recent form, opening prep, or context.
Career Compare
| Magnus Carlsen | Hikaru Nakamura | |
|---|---|---|
| Current rating (STD) | 2840 | 2792-18 |
| Peak rating | 2882 · May 2014 | 2816 · Oct 2015 |
| Peak age | 24 | 28 |
| World rank now | #1 | #2 |
| World rank peak | #1 | #2 |
| Federation rank now | #1 | #1 |
| Games (career, STD) | 1,091 | 1,210 |
| Months active | 218 | 219 |
| % white wins | 53% | 45% |
| % black wins | 37% | 34% |
| TPR last 12m (STD) | 2830 | 2586 |
| Activity 12m (games) | 101 | 98 |
Best Win
Magnus Carlsen
Hikaru Nakamura
Highest-rated opponent ever beaten · STD primary, rapid/blitz for context
All Meetings (85)
Common Opponents
Tournaments Both Played
Cohort Position
Each player compared to active peers (same federation, ±75 Elo, played in last 12 months).
Magnus Carlsen
Hikaru Nakamura