NBA star from the San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama swapped his basketball for a chessboard Saturday, and instead of being on the hardwood, played an impromptu chess match in New York City’s Washington Square Park. The 19-year-old phenom traded in some of his moves on the court to host a chess game with fans at the southwest corner of the park.
Despite the rain, Wembanyama, known for his intellectual pursuits outside the game, made time for his four games from 10 to 11 a.m. He won two but lost two before he took off to catch up on his team’s flight out to Minnesota. There was chess enthusiasts and Spurs fans who attended the meet. Wembanyama did pose for pictures in one of the crowds of Spurs fans who braved the rainy morning to have pictures taken with him.
Victor Wembanyama randomly stopped by Washington Square Park in New York City today to play some chess. This is what the game should really be all about. pic.twitter.com/jr8QQlcI7z
— GothamChess (@GothamChess) December 28, 2024
Washington Square Park is a place with deep chess history, having played Bobby Fischer, among many others. Wembanyama’s chess session would surely be one of those great moments for the fans as well as the young sensation, adding to his rising off-court personality.
Immediately after the session, Wembanyama went to social media and pitched an idea of an NBA player-only chess tournament where all proceeds will go to charity. Off the court, he’s making waves with 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds through his second season in the NBA.
