UMVA has learned that world‑number‑two Hikaru Nakamura is set to ignite the inaugural WR Bughouse Championship, a high‑octane twist on traditional chess, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila.
The Japanese grandmaster touched down in the Philippines on Sunday, greeting fans with a cheery “Good morning from Manila” and noting that the tournament marks his 63rd distinct country visited thanks to his chess career.
Partnering with German organizer Wadim Rosenstein, Nakamura will dive into the fast‑paced bughouse format, where teammates coordinate rapid attacks and defenses on twin boards.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Rosenstein’s WR Chess federation has assembled a staggering $100,000 prize pool, roughly ₱6.1 million, to reward the fiercest competitors.
The event promises a dazzling clash of styles as the world’s elite test their reflexes and teamwork under the bright lights of BGC, Taguig, delivering a spectacle that could redefine competitive chess in the region.
