Levy Confronts Hikaru About GM Title

This was filmed April 3, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.
Hikaru's channel: / gmhikaru
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[@shubbyshabaas]

You should make a video titled: “I interviewed GothamChess” in which you talk to a prerecorded version of yourself and act as if nothing is wrong

[@WhiteNoBeard471]

That's a great april fools video idea, actually

[@TheResignGambit]

Gotham schizophrenia ‼️‼️

[@ChrisPlayGameNOW]

@@TheResignGambit LMAO

[@denesszanto1870]

Gothamchess X Levy Rozman

[@vebjsand]

That's the kind of content we need to make chess fun and engaging year around, together with all the more serious stuff too ofcourse.

[@ABDULRAHMAN-bh9hm]

Hikaru premoved levy's new sense of confidence

[@NerdOfTheNorth-906]

LOL

[@jasonhargis5598]

gg bro 😆

[@idehenebenezer802]

Time is running out😢 Repent from your sins to escape judgement and obtain eternal salvation 🙏🙏🙏

[@TheCatholicRemedy]

@@idehenebenezer802 Lord Jesus I accept your love and accept your invitation to eternal salvation

[@abhinav1690]

LMAOOO

[@VinayKumarT1302]

Bro sacrificed Magnus

[@shitposter10196]

Magnus might be the queen but hikaru is the king.

[@RealKayd3nYT]

Magnus becoming the rook at this point

[@listey]

@@shitposter10196 Gotham is the mistress

[@mandlenkosingcobo9608]

Heartless

[@shitposter10196]

@@listey gotham is bishop,i guess since Magnus is the most powerful at the board and hikaru is the safest.

[@Scholarofonecandle]

“I’m pretty confident one of the kids I played against will be playing in a world championship match.” Hikaru premoved Gukesh’s win.

[@JulianHoving]

Gukesh rarely plays online. I doubt hikaru ever played against gukesh online

[@Iamme-xc1iy]

Gukesh doesn't play online blitz. He is a classical chess player. He is not that good in blitz .

[@Ism0Lait3la]

​@@JulianHovingGukesh was one of the kids Hikaru has helped

[@chess]

easily becoming the 🐐 of chess interviews

[@vzod]

First

[@omggblisturis]

second

[@UdtaParinda-hq8gf]

From chess players to gamblers, levy sure has come a long way!

[@gxxtmane6644]

can you get rid of my ip ban and become my 🐐

[@youtubeaddict487]

great video for sure !

[@michaelmoreno6431]

Hikaru is right - by playing online he has given a huge amount of joy back to the community even if 99.9% of the players lost within 2 min. There is no other sport where this happens. Losing to Hikaru is a dream for many of us!

[@fangiscool1]

Beta

[@charlies8282]

@@fangiscool1ratiod

[@lilhedonistcannibal123]

​​@@fangiscool1 you an omega

[@KatoYutobe]

chess is a board game, not a sport

[@alonsoACR]

​@@KatoYutobeIt's a very physically demanding game, so yes, I think it's both a board game and a sport

[@Bluvfxx]

Can't wait to see Hikaru premove his punches in the ring

[@vebjsand]

I unironically think Hikaru would bob and weave fantasy punches with a dead serious and worried face, and as he calculates why it happened and what the next moves are, he gets knocked out lmao.

[@manishenglishgamingmeg2123]

The next day: I INTERVIEWED KRAMNIK

[@sadahiko9623]

Kramnik would find this to be very... interesting.

[@Peter-hz3vs]

I want to see Kramnik, Magnus, Hikaru and Hans Niemann all sitting together in a single interview. It will be dope

[@aditya_vverma]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MorningNapalm]

@@Peter-hz3vs or just Kramnik and Hans, and some boxing gloves randomly lying around...

[@leff9604]

SPECIAL GUEST HANS NIEMANN!!!

[@DreamingwithD]

Levy in shorts:😱🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 Levy in videos: ☺️🙂

[@listey]

It's great that their wives are tolerant of being in an open marriage.

[@SomebodySharp]

Bro 💀

[@seankasu8957]

😂😂❤😂😂😂😂

[@seankasu8957]

😂😂😂😂

[@oliver-04]

Greatest comment award:

[@vanshshah23]

💀

[@anacasimiro6467]

hikaru: i'm very proud of you levy: poker face

[@NOFOCKYOU]

Well you heard his back story, you can tell he doesn't take compliments well cause of his past trauma and relationship with parents.

[@unjourdef2]

Interviewing Hikaru after confronting him last time is a nice change of pace ;)

[@nato8803]

*SPOILER ALERT* haha 00:02 Discussing Hikaru Nakamura's insights on becoming a grandmaster 01:59 Adapting to modern chess playing strategies 05:30 Discussion on playing under different identities and its impact on performance 07:16 Online vs Offline Chess: Biases in player performance. 10:32 Online chess playing has raised the overall level of players significantly 12:09 Chess world has changed a lot post-pandemic 15:26 Streaming brought chess to a bigger audience and reignited my passion for the game. 16:59 Hikaru discusses sponsorship and motivation 20:10 Hikaru expresses confusion and surprise at accusations of cheating by KIC 21:32 Hikaru felt he played much worse than usual due to shock. 24:22 Discussion on cheating accusations in chess 25:55 Discusses the unrealistic aspect of automated cheating in chess tournaments. 28:38 Discussion on hobbies and interests beyond chess 30:12 Discussion on personal upbringing influencing success in streaming 33:13 Importance of social media for upcoming chess players 34:56 Importance of nurturing next generation chess players 38:09 Balancing chess focus with building personal profile 39:37 Recognizability and downsides of fame 42:32 Discussion about the etiquette and potential risks of chess boxing. 44:00 Hikaru discusses the potential of chess boxing and the challenges of finding a balanced match.

[@Legend_Of_Minecraft01]

Bruh he uploaded 58 sec ago 😭

[@RealKayd3nYT]

How-

[@anshulpetwal6562]

Bro 🗿

[@jaabb4553]

Bro just premoved entire video descriptions

[@priyanshutiwari7382]

Thanks bro 😁👍

[@panosgrispos7441]

It's really nice to see the two of you creating content together again hope we see some more videos like the sub battles blindfold (blast from the past)or whatever. Hope we see more of the two of you!

[@cartossin]

Thanks Levy, Hikaru. You guys got me back into chess. The first time I've played regularly since middle school. I'm hooked.

[@MistaOppritunity]

Hikaru makes an interesting point about the fact that online chess allows people to more easily play a lot of games against high rated players. Do yall think that this might be affecting older players ability to improve/maintain their edge? Because there are a lot of players who have exceeded expectations for their age, Hikaru included in that statement, also thinking of Vishy. A lot of people say that you can't really get super good at an older age because younger players have a higher cognition and more time, but maybe just raw access to high level play was a large limiting factor?

[@strochinger]

When I take myself on how much time I had as a kid in relation to how fast I learned, memorized and reacted, there is no way that this older me of today can do anything against the me as a kid, esp. with the resources offered online. So what Hikaru is saying seems very plausible to me.

[@MrCaw77]

Yes I would tend to agree with this. In any sport, you need to face opponents on or slightly above your skill level to improve and not get rusty.

[@Bruh-bk6yo]

I can't believe he interviewed Gothamchess.

[@felixhosse409]

Kramnik: It's not an accusation, it's a special insinuation operation 😉

[@barnabasastrofengia5345]

lol 😆 ha ! well said !

[@colecube8251]

it's not gambling, it's surprise mechanics!

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

So Hikar.. GMHikaru: Premoves 10000 word answer.

[@Matteopotatoe-17]

Hikaru premoving his words

[@cybermandan1960]

You've actually dropped a tonne of great interviews in a very short time! Looking forward to this one

[@tecTitus]

Links? I can't find them

[@db5094]

​@@tecTitusliterally just scroll back a couple videos dude

[@User-9513]

​@@db5094Based sigma male response.

[@NatalieDemary]

Hikaru is such a good interviewee - very well spoken and interesting inputs

[@SamMelbin-zm3kk]

levy, just watched your if your stuck at chess clik here vid form 3yrs back, just mentioning it helped alot, and thx for the amazing content, keep up the good work!

[@user-ki7qv2tk8p]

I really enjoyed this conversation between the two kings of chess content creation. Please more of that kind!

[@cecilwampler8733]

Levy, you're really good at interviewing. You press for answers in a cool way and ask good questions. Well done! Hikaru always seems pretty open and willing to share information.

[@stormcrow5564]

Im a fan from fes morocco, just letting you know you have a huge fanbase here, we appreciate the content and would love to have you visit our city someday.

[@malcomgregory9454]

I can't believe that Gotham still didn't interviewed Nikaru Hakamura

[@ano.q]

Real

[@iffailedinglesh8741]

Interesting…

[@taha_t]

I think Cotham Ghess has already interviewed him

[@DesypherAlt]

Hikaru never fails to interview Levy again

[@sushilkumarlohani6709]

Hikaru have been so chill in this tournament. Really feel good to see him in this way.

[@jjsaxophone62]

I feel like it's not a wild proposition for Levy to train with Hikaru to get to GM. It'd be like swinging with a weighted bat before stepping up to the plate. Plus could make for great content for either channel.

[@cwynn1547]

Hikaru wears his heart on his sleeve, and has respect and compassion.

[@Nickkon1]

I suggest you to do a interview playlist. I really liked them all and feel as a chess communicator with a lot of numbers, this is something you can leverage more with interviewing those high profile players

[@ssarka420]

Bro got motivated by hikaru to become GM

[@PerfectSense77]

Hikaru is so well-spoken. It's really interesting to hear him speak longform and not on stream. He's a great communicator.

[@nonidiot7253]

i just saw this in my notifs and HAD to see this. W vid Gotham I also have your book!

[@chessticularcancer]

Awesome interview, thank you so much for your content and everything you do for chess! You are largely responsible for me getting into the game pretty late in life, but I continue to learn so much from you and Hikaru that I'm seeing my ELO slowly go up. You 100% can be a grandmaster, and I am SO excited to be part of that journey! Keep being awesome, forget the haters, and remember always when you sit down at the board: YOU ARE A LIVING LEGEND. I fully believe you can and WILL get the mental game in check (pun intended) and allow your strength at the board to shine.

[@jack7185]

agadmator inspired me to watch more chess and got me more into the game. I never really hear chess players give him the props he deserves as a creator.

[@456death654]

Well his content is very subpar. 2000 something lichess rated who just spits out random engine lines in his video

[@soffmusic9655]

i like to see Levy grow as an interviewer. His questions and a bit more free flow style is improving.

[@cadoganmedia]

The wide shot is getting Gothams invisible friend. 😂😅

[@neko-chan6145]

i am thankful for both your and hikaru’s channels for getting me back into following chess. i watched the whole candidates this year for the first time. i was excited to root for familiar players that i got to know through your channels. keep up the good work

[@Praximacent]

I didnt used to watch Levy much earlier. But after his video/interview/podcast with Sagar, i grt to know lot of his insights and now i respect him a lot. Salute to you Gotham sir.

[@Orangeratcraze]

Great interview lads! Honest, encouraging and informative.

[@MarcHeuer]

You two guys are really a blessing for chess. Keep on going 🤘👍 Edit: as a German i can say that Vincent Keymer is becoming sort of popular here. He already has been special guest in one of the biggest tv sport shows where usually football is featured mainly. If you ever happen to meet him please try and interview him, he is a very friendly and well spoken young man.

[@RMichaelHimself]

You know, it's interesting, the subject of Hikaru's contributions to chess (starting around 14:00). It's happened kind of subtly - in part due to Hikaru being *very* private about his personal life - but he's likely done more for chess than any player in history. Yes, he has an abrasive personality at times. He has a big chip on his shoulder, and believes everyone is trying to undermine or discredit him. This, and his hate for losing, has given rise to some rather some toxic moments. But he's also a very humble guy. He's undeniably been the biggest chess presence on the internet, second only to perhaps Levy - but in another stratosphere in terms of skill. For him to sit on stream, several hours a day, playing kids who he *knows* will study his game, who he *knows* will elevate their play level... all for us the viewers to sit back and appreciate. It's incredible to live in such an era. Not to mention, the funding of some kids travel expenses & coaching, just because he learned that the family couldn't afford his tournament expenses... that's beautiful. And beautiful that he kept it private on stream until asked about it in interviews.

[@blakeleonard3990]

Best chess duo yall gotta collab more

[@burritoman2k]

Levy should really interview gothamchess one of these days

[@Poopmaster56]

Levy really be sacking Magnus for Hikaru

[@the_vortex1537]

fax

[@mandarinandthetenrings2201]

Yea, no.

[@captainnewbi2410]

I think its important that Hikaru played i serious events and tournaments over the board, because it helps to show that even though you have a ton of games online for your opponents to gain information on you, at the end of the day, chess speaks for itself, and you can still have strong chances at world champion

[@jesseetuk960]

If blatantsweat says "2 views in 23 seconds bro fell off" I'm going to lose my marbles

[@alvielle9417]

you predicted it lol

[@zach358]

For gambling over chess games, I think it would really have to be games like Chess 960 or something that dissentivizes draws. Maybe a version of the game where a draw gives each player 0 | 0 or -1 | -1 instead of 0.5 | 0.5

[@YS92651]

Hikaru definitely made his presence in the chess world, especially in a positive impact.

[@brynsengt856]

I do think if Magnus, Hikaru and You were gone chess would lose at least 50% of public interests

[@ishaanchoubey5291]

Hi. All the best, Levy for your upcoming tournament

[@ultimatedoug2227]

After magnus its hikarus turn to be milked by levi

[@WhiteNoBeard471]

🤨

[@Razorcarl]

Holup

[@TeoSmashCrasher99xD]

@@Razorcarllet him cook

[@strochinger]

What is your people issue with "milking"? It's getting old and annoying. We all love to get content on Magnus and Hikaru, and we love Levy, so if he is making money on giving us a great time, that's just a win-win.

[@ultimatedoug2227]

@@strochinger ok

[@paldr-chess]

It's a great interview! Good discussions, thanks!

[@Its_A_Me_Callie]

thanks for finally uploading this

[@mcpr5971]

Levi, this has nothing to do with the video but I'm 40 years old and learned to play as a child, but never played much past age 9. Seeing your videos and enthusiasm has piqued my interest and I've signed up to play online and get a rating and I really enjoy it. I doubt I would have done this had KZbin not recommended your channel. Thanks

[@TheOneRealTom]

Hikaru started talking and I needed to like the video. It's Hikaru talking stuff with Gotham! Amazing!

[@shankrl1]

I'm still crying Hikaru didn't quite make the comeback

[@Slapwagons]

Yeah :[ I think it showed he's a good bet every candidates to take the W, just didn't quite work out this time. There's always next time and I'm sure he'll be there.

[@hansg6015]

Not sorry for the guy who promotes gambling to children

[@dadaketgasparge]

wdym? ​@@hansg6015

[@Slapwagons]

​@@hansg6015 ok

[@Blinkers2007GameDev]

same. He almost won it

[@malontheblock]

Levy is honestly a great interviewer. I'd love him to just interview everyone in the chess world one by one

[@AGILISFPV]

What a great interview. Thank you to you both👌

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

The amount of times Hikaru said “some random GM” lol

[@brainp471]

would love to hear Hikaru's take on Magnus's suggestion that long games should be reserved for fisher random and leave conventional chess for timed/rapid games due to the level of openings amongst the top players

[@shubbyshabaas]

This man has interviewed like half the Chess players in the world this past month wtf

[@zacharybruner765]

Been waiting on this full interview since that GM question popped up on my shorts.

[@juanpablomijares4248]

nice video, I laughed a lot with the niagara falls hypothetical tragedy and your story of the guy who didn't say your name right

[@Parmigiano1]

"Levy, mentally you are not quite there" -- Hikaru 2024

[@donsurlylyte]

blunt, but true. when levy was actively trying you could see by his game reviews that was the weak spot.

[@donnel7223]

Still waiting for the Hans interview with Kramnik

[@Rukazor]

Hikaru is so amazingly well spoken and has amazing insight into life and the world of chess. Wonderful interview!

[@TheStickCollector]

So nice you can just get them for so long. So easy based on already knowing each other

[@NobleLaika]

They need to do more collabs

[@taylorthomas8381]

@gmhikaru is a legend. thanks for this Levy

[@timbit827]

Even Andrea said she's going to stop boxing outside of exercise. It's quite the risky sport

[@user-oi4om3tx2o]

The two best entertainers in the industry. Would love more talks like this Levy.

[@tankusfred]

KZbin options shows 1080p60, the video clearly shows 1080o24...

[@The.best.chess.player]

Always nice talks with hikaru

[@carltonthompson9359]

So grateful for you guys man. Thanks for the content 🥹 love this game. Only been learning the past year or so but this is amazing

[@thetransferaccount4586]

this aged like fine wine with the gambling drama

[@technodabble]

Nobody outside of twitter or reddit cares about that.

[@brotkanal1437]

HIkaru premoving a gambling stream was a big blunder

[@bruce2953]

Just bought my first tennis racket. Hope to break into the 2700s of chess soon

[@tylerweathersby]

Hikaru is a real one for that answer for Levy on GM

[@InVersionStudio]

Hikaru doing ROFL even staying on a edge of greatest of chess tournaments

[@jeanswantay702]

For future reference, it use to be: “l interviewed hikaru again!”

[@Oldedub172]

Hikaru interviews are so oddly compelling.

[@overnept6105]

Enough of formal interviews, I wanna hear you two's pillow talk

[@HungryScribbler]

Great interview, Levy! :)

[@worldisinwar2011]

18:56 the slight of hands my brother 😂🎉

[@yougood809]

barring all the jokes and memes aside, this was a very nice podcast. Thanks levy and Nana.

[@queengambrino4114]

maybe the most anticipated gotham video ever... for now ^^

[@janaodstrcilova3107]

Each time a new Gotham video comes out the more he looks kidnapped. 😂

[@ultimate_knight129]

Hikaru is premoved the wedding

[@kaidoChess]

Shoutout to all the small chess creators ❤🎉

[@simmorg290]

I'm surprised that Levy didn't mention agadmator. I still remember Levy doing a video a few years ago where he said that he'd just become the most popular chess vlogger on youtube overtaking agadmator (although he didn't mention agadmator by name).

[@FreePalistine16]

Hikaru premoved the whole candidates tournament 🤣

[@nedstarks4142]

You are right. If it wasn't for the three of you. I wouldn't watch as much. I'll keep up with pragg but it won't be the same.

[@TheBlueAnchovy]

Lmao Levy just straight up starting the interview with that question 😂 he has a grudge against Hikaru. You can do it Levy!

[@DeluxeJunkie]

Levy should get Hikaru to be his coach/mentor to become a GM

[@user-rk8vm8uj8r]

Hikaru looks well groomed as hell love this man ❤️

[@paularized1]

Right out of the gate, Hikaru basically telling Levy his Caro sucks.

[@SnipeyGaming]

I don't think he was implying it sucks but that you just can't play it in classical if that makes any sense

[@TechyBen]

I do think that the 1 second more is a big difference. Skills in so many sports and games do hit such high skill ceilings now. In video games/real life racing, fractions of a second are the difference between league 1 and league 2 or 3!

[@asdf9C]

gotta admire GM Gotham for making more money than most chess players by providing content.