Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York City, showcasing his versatility beyond basketball. On Saturday, he engaged in friendly matches, even experiencing a couple of losses.
However, these defeats weren’t on the basketball court.
Wemby was immersed in a game of chess.
Before the San Antonio Spurs departed New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama reached out on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square Park to play chess? I’m there,” he announced.
At 9:36 a.m., fans began to gather almost instantly.
Washington Square Park is a historic chess hub in New York, where legends like Bobby Fischer have played, and it has served as a backdrop for numerous films featuring the game.
Wembanyama braved the rain for about an hour, from 10 to 11 a.m., playing four games in total—winning two and losing two—before heading off to catch the Spurs’ flight.
During the Spurs’ time in New York, Wembanyama had been eager to find an opportunity to play chess. After facing the Knicks on Christmas and winning against Brooklyn the previous night, his schedule finally aligned on Saturday morning. Despite the inclement weather, he bundled up to make this event a reality.
He took time to pose for photos with the fans who braved the cold rain, eager to play chess with one of the NBA’s rising stars.
After his chess outing, he suggested on social media, “We need an NBA players-only chess tournament, with proceeds going to the charity of the winner’s choice.”
Currently, Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, marking his second year in the NBA after earning Rookie of the Year honors last season.
