Magnus Carlsen Addresses Controversy with Hans Niemann on The Joe Rogan Experience

World number-one GM Magnus Carlsen made a highly anticipated appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he addressed the infamous controversy with GM Hans Niemann for the first time. The episode, released on Spotify and YouTube, featured a two-hour and 17-minute conversation with Carlsen, Rogan, and U.S. comedian Tony Hinchcliffe.

The discussion covered a range of topics, including cheating, AI, video games, golf, psychology, Carlsen’s evolution as a player, and Freestyle Chess. However, one of the most significant moments came when Carlsen opened up about the scandal that followed his loss to Niemann at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup.

Carlsen withdrew from the event and later suggested that Niemann had cheated, sparking a series of allegations and a defamation lawsuit against Carlsen, Chess.com, and others. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but the controversy lingered in the chess community.

During the podcast, Carlsen shared his suspicions about Niemann’s playing style and the factors that led him to believe cheating may have occurred. He also discussed the challenges of catching cheaters in top-level tournaments and the evolving nature of chess in response to computer preparation.

The conversation shed light on Carlsen’s mindset as a top player and his reflections on his peak performance years. Additionally, Carlsen discussed the growing popularity of Freestyle Chess and his involvement in the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.

Overall, Carlsen’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience provided insight into his thoughts on the controversy with Niemann, the challenges of modern chess, and his own evolution as a player. The episode is sure to spark further discussion and interest in the chess world.