IOWA CITY, Iowa — The chess players scrambled to their boards to compete in round five of the Iowa Open tournament.

It is an annual event that often escapes notice beyond the midwestern chess world, but a last minute entry by world’s No. 2-ranked player, Hikaru Nakamura, created international buzz. Eric Vigil, the event’s chief referee, kicked off the round with a reminder about decorum as fans hovered near Nakamura and his final opponent, Palatine teenager Artemii Khanbutaev.

“Those about to play chess, I salute you!” Vigil said as he kicked off the round.

For Nakamura, a 37-year old American chess legend, the event was a pit stop on his quest to compete for the world championship in 2026. But for those assembled in the converted Hilton conference room, especially his opponents, it mar

See Full Page