Hikaru Nakamura Shares Disappointment Over Netflix’s Chess Scandal Documentary

Hikaru Nakamura Critiques Netflix Documentary on Carlsen-Niemann Cheating Scandal

World No.2 Hikaru Nakamura has expressed disappointment with the recent Netflix documentary “Untold: Chess Mates,” which delves into the notorious cheating scandal that sent shockwaves through the chess community.

The documentary recounts the dramatic events of the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, where World No.1 Magnus Carlsen withdrew after a shocking loss to then-19-year-old Hans Niemann. Carlsen’s abrupt exit was widely interpreted as an implicit accusation of cheating, a sentiment further underscored when he resigned after just one move in their subsequent matchup. This led to a $100 million lawsuit from Niemann, which was eventually settled.

Featuring interviews with Carlsen, Niemann, and others—including Nakamura—the film aims to capture the scandal’s impact, Niemann’s resurgence, and the anticipated rematch in 2024.

However, Nakamura was far from impressed. Despite dedicating an entire day to the filmmakers, he found his screen time limited to a mere three minutes. “I watched it at 1.5x speed and I wasn’t very impressed,” he stated during a recent live stream. “I actually gave the Netflix team over eight hours of footage, but in the end, I think I was only in it for about three minutes.”

Nakamura voiced his frustration, noting that he, along with other contributors, received no compensation for their participation. “I’ve seen people assume that everyone got paid, but that’s not the case at all,” he clarified.

The chess star also expressed concern over the documentary’s depth, suggesting that significant portions of interviews were cut. “I suspect Eric, Danny, Hans, and Magnus all said a lot more too, but a lot must have been cut out. The whole thing surprised me. It didn’t really feel very inspiring. Honestly, I was just very confused by it,” he added.

The reception to “Untold: Chess Mates” has been mixed. While some viewers have praised its production quality and accessibility, others, like Nakamura, have criticized its lack of depth and insight into the scandal.

As the chess world continues to grapple with the implications of the Carlsen-Niemann saga, Nakamura’s candid feedback serves as a reminder of the complexities behind the headlines and the narratives that shape public perception.

First Published: April 27, 2026, 14:41 IST