Chess.com Faces Backlash from Grandmasters Amid Technical Glitches at 2026 Open Event
Chess.com Faces Backlash Over Technical Glitches at 2026 Open
By [Your Name]
The online chess platform Chess.com is under fire once again following a series of technical glitches during the highly anticipated 2026 Chess.com Open, formerly known as the Global Championship. The event, which serves as a gateway to the Esports World Cup for the top three finishers, has been marred by server disconnections that have left players frustrated and questioning the integrity of the competition.
Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Hans Niemann have emerged as vocal critics of the platform, taking to social media to express their discontent after failing to qualify for the playoffs. The controversy escalated as several players reported issues that directly affected match outcomes, leading to a chaotic and contentious atmosphere.
Caruana’s frustration peaked during a crucial round eight match when he was unexpectedly disconnected. Despite his stable internet connection, he was handed a 0-point bye, a decision that ultimately cost him a chance to advance. In a tweet, he lamented, “The chesscom thing disconnected me and gave me a 0 point bye in round 8 of their event where only 2 places qualify and everyone is within half a point of each other 🙂 my internet didn’t drop out, I was active in the play zone and as soon as the break timer ended it auto forfeits.”
Niemann’s response was even more scathing, labeling Chess.com as the “chess mafia.” His ire was directed at a controversial decision involving Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who was awarded a full point after his opponent, Maxim Matlakov, disconnected while in a losing position. This pivotal point allowed Abdusattorov to finish level on points with both Niemann and Wesley So, but only he and So advanced to the playoffs due to superior tie-break scores. Niemann tweeted, “Chess mafia strikes again. Matlakov disconnects giving Nodirbek the victory in a dead lost position. Now I’m 4th, narrowly missing 3rd and a chance to qualify.”
This incident is not an isolated one; Chess.com has faced ongoing criticism regarding the fairness of its online games. The platform’s Titled Tuesday event has also been plagued by server lags and technical issues, raising concerns among players about the reliability of the service.
As the chess community grapples with these latest controversies, the question remains: can Chess.com restore trust among its users and ensure a fair playing environment for future events? With the stakes higher than ever, the pressure is on the platform to address these technical shortcomings and provide a seamless experience for its players.