Last year, 15-year-old Nakamoto, who wasn't as well known as the former child prodigy and world chess champion, scored two victories over highly ranked national masters at the Outrigger Hawaii International Chess Tournament.
They know him now.
"Last year was an unbelievable experience. I just hope that I can do as well this year," he said.
Nakamoto, already among the top 25 American chess players in his age bracket, will be among the players in this year's tournament, which starts today and runs through April 24 at the Prince Kuhio Hotel, 2500 Kuhio Ave.
Rounds begin at 5 p.m. daily except for the last day, when the action starts at 12:30 p.m.
The 10-day chess tournament so far includes 50 players from 17 countries.
"This is the fourth international chess tournament (here)," said Lawrence Reifurth, Hawaii chess enthusiast. "Each year, it gets bigger and stronger. ... International grandmasters have been coming over here now for three summers in a row." International grand-master is the highest ranking the World Chess Federation gives, he said.
Numerous players are from the United States, including 12 from Hawaii. The U.S. grandmaster, Alexander Yermolinsky, came to this country from the Soviet Union.
Hawaii has become a mecca for big-time chess players because it's a popular tourist spot, Reifurth said. Big-timers come here for no other reward than a hotel room and partial air fare, he said.
They don't need huge cash prize incentives, such as other tournaments offer, Reifurth said, adding that's good because Hawaii is all that can be offered right now.
Eric Schiller, tournament organizer from San Francisco, said the Outrigger Hawaii International Chess Tournament gives Hawaii players a chance to play against world-class competition.
Waikiki chess players at the Kuhio Beach pavilion think it's great.
The game played all over the world needs to be promoted here, said Steve Stevlic of Makiki.
Newspapers should analyze chess rather than overemphasize crossword puzzles, he said, adding he's been playing 30 years.
"My mother taught me (chess) when I was 3," said Dr. Robert Lord of Waikiki, in another game nearby.
He thinks the tournament belongs here in part because of the weather but also for Hawaii visitors. Chess players regularly come here from all over, he said.
"We've got the people here, and it's an international center," he said.