Victor Wembanyama explains decision to play chess with fans in Recent York City park – and the way he fared against two pros

For those who were wandering across the streets of Recent York City on Saturday morning, you might have noticed something very tall.

No, not the Empire State Constructing or Statue of Liberty, 7ft 3in NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama, who was casually playing chess against fans in Washington Square Park.

The NBA star posed with fans after the chess sessCredit: X@wemby

The San Antonio Spurs sensation and reigning NBA Rookie of the 12 months hit the streets of NYC after putting out the word he was within the mood for a game of chess.

“What are the very best spots to play chess in NYC ??,” the French phenom posted on X.

“Who wants to satisfy me on the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? I’m there,” he added.

To the surprise of fans, Wemby did indeed pull up within the less-than-ideal weather conditions. He was photographed sat on a sodden park bench making his moves as he tried to get the higher of his various opponents.

He also posed for a photograph with all the fans who showed up to look at him in motion.

Afterwards, Wemby was asked what prompted him to go to the park on his day without work and play chess.

“I don’t know. I used to be just feeling prefer it,” he said.

“That is enough of a reason. It was fun.

“I lost against two pros but I won against my brother.”

He later took to X: “We’d like an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of selection of the winner.”

Fans queued up to take him on — Fans queued as much as take him onCredit: X@KnicksMuse

The Spurs posted a video of him in action with the caption: 'A good day for chess' — The Spurs posted a video of him in motion with the caption: ‘An excellent day for chess’Credit: X@spurs

He said he just felt like it, and that he beat his brother but lost against two professionals — He said he just felt prefer it, and that he beat his brother but lost against two professionalsCredit: X@mollyhannahm

Wembanyama is in The Big Apple this week after taking up the Recent York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day.

He dropped 42 points on his Christmas debut to go together with 18 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks in a 117-114 San Antonio loss.

The 20-year-old became the third player in NBA history after Wilt Chamberlain (1959 and 1961) and Nikola Jokic (2022) to attain 40-plus points with 15-plus rebounds in a Christmas game.

His 42-point performance also ranked third in NBA history for a player making his Christmas Day debut behind Chamberlain (45) and Tracy McGrady (43).

Wemby was a dominant force during his rookie campaign after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2023.

The towering big man led the league in blocks and finished second in NBA Defensive Player of the 12 months voting, while also earning unanimous Rookie of the 12 months honors.

Wemby broke all sorts of records during his debut campaign — Wemby broke all forms of records during his debut campaignCredit: Getty

As a rookie, Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 46.5 percent from the sector and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Nevertheless, this yr he has been even higher, averaging 25.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, 3.9 assists, 3.4 three-pointers made and 1.0 steal, while shooting 48.0 percent from the ground and 36.1 percent from deep.

Crucially, though, he has the Spurs competing again after they went 22-60 within the previous two campaigns.

The Spurs are 16-15 to start out the season, adequate for ninth within the loaded Western Conference.

Wemby returns to motion on Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.