Magnus Carlsen reveals new details on Hans Niemann’s cheating controversy

Chess fans around the world were left in shock when Jan Henric Buettner announced the participation of Hans Niemann at the upcoming Paris Freestyle Grand Slam event, scheduled for April. Buettner revealed that co-owner Magnus Carlsen, who finished third at Weissenhaus, was initially against the idea but eventually accepted it.

The history between Carlsen and Niemann dates back to September 2022 when Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating at the Sinquefield Cup without providing evidence. Niemann denied the allegations but admitted to cheating in casual online games as a teenager. A Chess.com investigation report suggested that Niemann likely cheated in over 100 online games. The controversy eventually ended after a legal settlement between all parties involved.

Recently, Carlsen appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast and hinted at more details on the cheating controversy being revealed in an upcoming Netflix documentary. Carlsen addressed the viral accusation that Niemann used anal beads to cheat, stating that while he didn’t believe that specific claim, there were other ways Niemann could have cheated.

Carlsen expressed his suspicions about Niemann’s playing style, stating, “There were a lot of factors that made me very, very suspicious. I think ever since then he has become better. But there’s still something off, both then and now.”

Niemann, currently ranked 18th in the latest FIDE standings with a rating of 2734, has claimed that the controversy has negatively impacted his chess career, leading to fewer tournament invites.

As the chess world eagerly awaits the release of the Netflix documentary for more insights into the Carlsen-Niemann controversy, the upcoming Paris Freestyle Grand Slam event is sure to generate significant interest and intrigue among fans and players alike.