Over the years, I’ve spent many hours watching chess tournaments. Whether it was Speed Chess Championships, Norway Chess, Men’s or Women’s tournaments – I followed the live games, the recaps, and streams of commentators who seemed to read the players’ minds.

I remember following the Candidates 2024 closely, mostly Hikaru’s games; and I had mixed feelings when he didn’t make it. I felt disappointed for Hikaru but at the same time, seeing Gukesh qualify for the World Championship was something special and created history.

Like many others, I couldn’t shake the thought that Magnus Carlsen not playing the World Championship made it feel like… not quite the real thing. I wondered how it would have been if Gukesh had to face Magnus for the title, and it was probably even Gukesh’s own childhood dream. But still, Ding vs. Gukesh turned out to be a rollercoaster of its own. Everyone knew that Ding wasn’t at his best mentally, but he kept pushing through difficult positions and giving it his all; and that was something to respect.

But as the games progressed, I felt that Gukesh was simply the better player this time. His composure, calculations and preparation said it all. Watching him win was less about celebration and more about quiet admiration.

And while I keep waiting for the day Hikaru finally plays in a World Championship, it’s clear he’s now a streamer first, player second. Maybe it won’t ever happen after all. Maybe we’ll have to keep settling for his streaming, his Tricks Only speedruns, and occasional tournaments when he does feel like playing professionally.

Still, I won’t give up hope.