Hans Niemann Claims US Chess Blacklist is Hurting His Earnings: A Look at Income Disparities Among Top Players
Hans Niemann Claims Blacklisting in U.S. Chess is Hurting His Earnings
In a striking revelation, American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has claimed that he is being blacklisted within the U.S. chess community, significantly impacting his earning potential. Speaking on the Threadguy podcast, Niemann shed light on the stark income disparities between elite players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura and those lower in the rankings.
Niemann highlighted that top players can rake in around $1 million annually, primarily due to lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals. He explained that while players ranked in the top five can earn between $600,000 to $800,000, those in the top ten typically see earnings ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. The financial landscape shifts dramatically beyond that, with players in the top 20 considered “lucky” to earn between $100,000 to $150,000, and those outside the top 40 often struggling to break the $100,000 mark.
“Let’s say you’re a Top-3 player in the world — like Magnus or Hikaru — you’re probably making $1,000,000 a year, depending on your endorsements,” Niemann stated. “If you’re a Top-5 player, you’re probably making $600,000 to $800,000. If you’re a Top-10 player, depending on your sponsors, I’d say $300,000 to $500,000. If you’re a Top-20 player in the world, you’re lucky to make $100,000 to $150,000. And if you’re a Top-40 player… You’re lucky to make $100,000 a year. There’s a huge drop off.”
Niemann Reveals His Own Earnings
Discussing his own financial situation, Niemann disclosed that he earned approximately $350,000 in prize money last year, which he acknowledged as decent. However, he believes that his controversial reputation has hindered him from securing more lucrative opportunities.
“Last year I think I won around $350,000 in prize money, which is not bad. But some people have more endorsements. I’m kind of blacklisted in the American community. If I wasn’t blacklisted, I’d be making much more,” he lamented.
Despite the challenges, Niemann revealed that he has received offers from other countries to switch federations, with some proposals involving “ridiculous” sums of money. Nevertheless, he affirmed his commitment to representing the United States, citing his patriotic feelings.
“For example, there were countries that offered me to represent them. And if I’d just switched to some other country, they would have paid me a ridiculous amount of money. I’ve been offered by multiple places — I’ve got a diverse heritage,” he said.
The Cheating Controversy
Niemann’s claims come in the wake of a scandal that saw him banned from Chess.com after allegations surfaced regarding cheating in online games, including prize money events. While he admitted to past online cheating, he maintains that he has never cheated in over-the-board competitions. The controversy escalated when Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating more than he has acknowledged, resulting in lawsuits and documentaries exploring the fallout.
As Niemann navigates this tumultuous landscape, his future in chess remains uncertain, but his candid revelations have sparked discussions about the financial realities faced by players in the sport.
First Published: April 22, 2026, 19:28 IST