Wembanyama's Surprise Chess Match in Washington Square Park!

<img src="https://cdn.nba.com/manage/2024/12/Gf5ksv9XkAACTvJ.jpeg" alt="Wembanyama playing chess in Washington Square Park">

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs star, surprised New York City by playing chess in Washington Square Park! He challenged fans to a match after posting on social media. Despite the rainy weather, dozens of people showed up to play against the NBA star.

Wembanyama played four games, winning two and losing two. He spent about an hour playing, posing for photos and connecting with his fans. This isn't his first visit to NYC this holiday season; the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won in Brooklyn on Friday night.

This iconic park, famously used in movies and known for its chess players (even Bobby Fischer!), provided the perfect setting for this unexpected event. After his chess session, Wembanyama even suggested an NBA players-only chess tournament for charity!

<blockquote data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">POV: You’re playing chess with <a href="https://twitter.com/wemby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wemby</a> on a Saturday morning in Washington Square Park ♟️🗽 <a href="https://t.co/gnxdvPE69l">pic.twitter.com/gnxdvPE69l</a></p> <p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1873056366769913993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></p></blockquote><blockquote data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks for everyone who pulled up in the rain 😂🔥 <a href="https://t.co/qblm9xzOfL">pic.twitter.com/qblm9xzOfL</a></p> <p>— Wemby (@wemby) <a href="https://twitter.com/wemby/status/1873045225570234867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></p></blockquote>

Wembanyama's impressive stats: This season, he's averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds, following his Rookie of the Year win last season.