Victor Wembanyama hosts second Hoop Gambit chess and basketball event

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama organized the second edition of the "Hoop Gambit," an event held in the Paris region that combines basketball competitions with chess tournaments. The event took place in Chesnay on August 8 and Nanterre on August 9, 2026.

The initiative aims to bridge the two disciplines, highlighting the shared strategic elements of anticipation, concentration, and decision-making. The chess component was supported by the Ligue d’Île-de-France des Échecs to help popularize the game and combat stereotypes. Basketball activities included 3x3 tournaments and one-on-one matchups.

During the event, Wembanyama participated in chess matches, including a notable loss to a six-year-old opponent named Adam. Wembanyama attributed the defeat to time management, stating, "It’s my fault... I was caught by the time. I am simply not as good as him."