Ben Mezrich Unveils “Checkmate”: A Deep Dive into the Chess Scandal That Shook the World
Ben Mezrich Unveils New Book on Chess Scandal: “Checkmate” Hits Shelves
By Matt Juul
In a literary comeback that has chess enthusiasts buzzing, best-selling author Ben Mezrich is set to release his latest non-fiction title, “Checkmate: Genius, Lies, Ambition, and the Biggest Scandal in Chess,” on Tuesday. This gripping account delves into one of the most sensational controversies to ever shake the chess world—the infamous 2022 clash between rising star Hans Niemann and Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
The scandal erupted during the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, where 19-year-old Niemann stunned the chess community by defeating the reigning champion, Carlsen. However, the victory quickly spiraled into chaos when Carlsen withdrew from the tournament, accusing Niemann of cheating. This shocking turn of events ignited a firestorm of speculation, with social media rife with wild theories, including bizarre allegations involving vibrating anal beads.
While Niemann admitted to cheating in online games during his teenage years, he vehemently denied any wrongdoing in recent years or during in-person matches. The controversy escalated when Chess.com closed Niemann’s account, citing a report that suggested he may have cheated in over 100 online games, though it found no evidence of cheating in live play.
In response, Niemann filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Chess.com, Carlsen, and others, which was dismissed in 2023. The parties eventually reached a settlement, allowing Niemann to return to Chess.com and signaling a desire to move past the scandal.
Mezrich, known for his bestsellers like “The Accidental Billionaires,” which inspired the Oscar-winning film “The Social Network,” and “Bringing Down the House,” is no stranger to high-stakes narratives. In “Checkmate,” he explores the intricate drama behind this whirlwind chess scandal, offering readers an insider’s perspective on the ambitions and rivalries that define the game.
Adding to the excitement, “Checkmate” is already in development for a film adaptation by A24, with Emma Stone attached as a producer and comedian Nathan Fielder set to direct.
As the chess world continues to grapple with the fallout from this scandal, Mezrich’s book promises to shed light on the complexities of ambition, genius, and the darker side of competition.
For those eager to dive into this captivating tale, “Checkmate” will be available in bookstores starting Tuesday.
Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com.