Victor Wembanyama Wants an NBA Chess Tournament and Fans Are Already Invested

Is chess just what All-Star Weekend needs?

Victor Wembanyama plays chess in New York City. / @NBA / X

San Antonio Spurs superstar big man Victory Wembanyama spent his Saturday morning in New York City like a true local—playing some chess in Washington Square Park.

On a cold a dreary day, Wemby put out an open call for opponents on social media, telling the world that he was heading out in the city ready for some chess.

While Wemby was ultimately bested in the chess match that was captured on video, he clearly had a good time, and expressed his life long love of the game.

“I started playing when I was like, seven,” Wembanyama said while resetting the board.

Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/qblm9xzOfL

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

As his matches began to gain traction online, Wembanyama made a pitch that fans were quick to get behind—a tournament between NBA stars.

We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner https://t.co/OyudB2t4io

— Wemby (@wemby) December 28, 2024

Is this the way we save the NBA All-Star Weekend? On social media, fans were excited to potentially tune in and see who would compete.

This is sick. I think Luka and Jaylen Brown play. They’re on the app

— Mikey CoinSnatch  (@MikeyCoinSnatch) December 28, 2024

New allstar game event viewers will skyrocket

— Snoopy #1 Fan 🐶 (@SnoopyHoops) December 28, 2024

Jaylen Brown in a chess tournamentpic.twitter.com/skkbct5Eh6 https://t.co/3U4zNddxIX

— CelticsNation (NBA Champions 🏆) (22-8) (@CelticsTheis) December 28, 2024

I've seen enough, make Wemby the NBA commissioner immediately https://t.co/nWGjLF8Q22

— Him Kitsuragi (@Mountain_Mane) December 28, 2024

The All-Star Game keeps changing its format in an attempt to shake things up. Maybe all the weekend needs is a chess board.

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