Grandmaster Hans Niemann to Play Tens of Thousands of Players Simultaneously at Web Summit

Chess Grandmaster Hans Niemann is set to make history at the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon this week as he prepares to take on tens of thousands of players in a single match.

Inspired by legendary matches such as Garry Kasparov’s battle against 50,000 participants in 1999 and his defeat to IBM’s Deep Blue in 1997, Niemann is ready to face off against opponents of all levels with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

Participants from around the world can join the match from their own devices, with the AI system offering three move options for each turn – grandmaster, advanced, or amateur level. Players must vote within 30 seconds, and the most popular move will be played against Niemann, who will have five minutes to make his moves.

Niemann expressed his excitement about the intersection between chess and technology, highlighting the reliance of top players on AI engines for analysis. He believes the match will showcase the blend of human and AI strategies in a unique way.

While acknowledging the challenge of facing thousands of opponents simultaneously, Niemann remains optimistic about his chances. He emphasized the importance of bringing chess to a wider audience and bridging the gap between the chess world and the general public.

The match is scheduled to take place on November 13 at 13:15 CET at Web Summit, with Niemann aiming to break the current record for the most participants in a chess game. With his innovative approach and passion for the game, Niemann is poised to make a lasting impact on the chess world.