Have you ever seen how the interests of NBA players lead them to become professionals in something more than basketball? Stephen Curry has won a title in Golf, Shaquille O’Neal’s career as a DJ/Rapper keeps him in the spotlight, and Kobe Bryant won an Oscar. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama adopted a more mentally challenging pursuit: Chess. This is the same player who once showed up at a public park in New York, asking fans to play chess. The same player who highlighted being open to an NBA charity chess tournament. If he does that, then the other players better watch out, as the 21-year-old recently proved his prowess on the board.

Earlier today, an X post by ‘Legion Hoops’ highlighted Victor Wembanyama at the highly anticipated Fanatics Fest event. Only, he was seated in front of a chessboard, inviting any and all to play a round with him. With confidence, he kicked things off by saying, “I’m ready. Let’s go”. Fans came, and fans went, but nobody seemed to have gotten the better of Wemby through the challenge he put out. Now, the San Antonio Spurs star can confidently state that he beat 100 fans back-to-back. Much respect to him!

Fanatics Fest 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate sports-meets-pop-culture experience. Equal parts Comic Con, sports fest, and card show, it’s the one weekend where leagues, athletes, and fans collide in celebration of everything sports. From Karl-Anthony Towns autographing jerseys to John Cena nearly testing his strength at the punch machine, the event has already delivered its fair share of viral moments. And yes, even getting outplayed in chess by Victor Wembanyama made the highlight reel—because if you’re going to lose, it might as well be to the 7’3″ future face of the NBA.

Those who were bold enough to accept the French star’s challenge certainly would not have been aware of his track record. After all, when Wemby descended to the New York park to challenge pedestrians, he recalled that “I lost against two pros but I won against my brother”. Those 3 people weren’t the only ones who played against Wemby, though. One fan recalled how a member of Wemby’s crew asked for his rating and got him to sit across from Victor Wembanyama and a chessboard. According to the fan, “He was decent! Would estimate he has a 1000-1100 ELO on Chess.com”. Well, after defeating 100 fans, Wemby would certainly be considered more than ‘decent’.

From the looks of it, the veterans in the NBA can certainly take some valuable advice from Wembanyama and get better at chess. It would be a good thing for them to get in return for all the advice the Spurs star has been receiving from them over the years.

Victor Wembanyama recalls keeping notes to best utilize getting valuable advice from LeBron James and co

“I was actually surprised to see so many guys, five or six or seven guys … just here to support the guys and to give them advice” said Victor Wembanyama back in 2023, recalling how the veterans from his old team had turned up to a High School gym and helped out the players. When entering the NBA, one cannot make do without getting some valuable advice from those who came before you. Even Scottie Pippen had to learn that the hard way, after being drafted to the Chicago Bulls, that “You’re not the top guy on the basketball team anymore”. Therefore, for all the success he got as a rookie, Wemby still looks out for advice, and he isn’t restricting himself to just his team’s veterans.

Earlier today, an Instagram account by the name of NBA Fanatic put out a post. The same highlighted Victor Wembanyama engaging in a discussion at Fanatics Fest, and highlighting how he best gets advice from the NBA veterans. He revealed, “I have a note on my phone with questions for KD, Broncos… I had the opportunity to talk to Jokic for 45 minutes at the All-Star Game. And I’m taking notes. When they tell me something, I don’t forget it. It’s very valuable, for sure.”

If you’re going to be the face of the NBA in a few years, then why not soak up as much knowledge as you can from the current faces of the league? With LeBron James and co imparting their knowledge, the 21-year-old is getting some valuable advice and making good use of it. After all, even LeBron James was forced to admit at Fanatics Fest that “The more and more times that I play, as long as he (Wemby) keeps smacking my (expletive) shots into the stands, it’s gonna make me retire.”

Seeking advice, and his drive for chess supremacy, highlight Victor Wembanyama’s thirst for knowledge. He wants to get better in his chosen fields and takes steps to achieve the same. With any luck, he gets to combine his love for basketball and chess soon if the NBA adopts a charity chess tournament. After all, that would be the day LeBron James and co will get another reason to be careful of the 7-foot-3 star.