Chess Grandmaster Hans Niemann Investigated for Cheating in Over 100 Online Games

Chess player Hans Niemann is at the center of a scandal after an investigation revealed he is “likely” to have cheated in more than 100 online games. The 19-year-old American grandmaster has faced accusations of cheating before, with world champion Magnus Carlsen vowing never to play against him again.

Carlsen, 31, resigned from an online match against Niemann after just one move, following Niemann’s victory over him in the Sinquefield Cup. While the report by Chess.com found a “lack of concrete statistical evidence” of cheating in in-person games, it stated that Niemann “likely cheated online much more than his public statements suggest”.

Niemann was found to have received illegal assistance in over 100 online games, including prize money events. Despite his denial of any wrongdoing, Chess.com has banned him from the platform and the International Chess Federation has announced a panel to investigate the allegations.

Chess.com emphasized that the vast majority of players do not cheat, with less than 0.14% of players on the platform ever engaging in cheating. The platform used detection tools and analysis of player moves to compile the 72-page report on Niemann’s alleged cheating.

The scandal has rocked the chess world, with fans and players alike questioning the integrity of the game. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.