Hikaru Nakamura Criticizes FIDE’s Anti-Cheating Measures at Candidates Tournament
Nakamura Slams FIDE’s Anti-Cheating Measures at Candidates Tournament
Cyprus – U.S. chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura has voiced strong criticism against the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for what he deems excessive anti-cheating protocols at the ongoing Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. The tournament, which features eight elite players vying for the chance to challenge Indian prodigy D. Gukesh for the world championship later this year, has become a focal point for discussions surrounding integrity in chess.
In a candid video on his YouTube channel, Nakamura expressed his frustration with the stringent measures, which include extensive scanning and monitoring devices. “I think it’s all complete nonsense,” he stated. “They scan us before the games, they scan us after the game. They have metal detectors, they have separate scanners. I mean… I feel like what are we all? Mossad agents inside Iran or something? Come on, we are chess players; let’s be real.”
FIDE, however, stands firm in its defense of the measures, emphasizing their necessity for maintaining the integrity of high-level competition. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky responded to Nakamura’s remarks, stating, “We find tight anti-cheating measures essential. What’s more, the sentiment is shared by the vast majority of players. At the same time, physical check-ups for players hardly changed since Toronto, and it is not that there is any noticeable difference for players.”
Sutovsky further noted that no other participants have raised concerns about the protocols, highlighting that the additional measures are designed to control and intercept signals without imposing excessive searches on players.
The heightened scrutiny surrounding cheating in chess has been a growing concern since 2022, following allegations made by former world champion Magnus Carlsen against then-teenager Hans Niemann after an unexpected defeat at the Sinquefield Cup. Although Niemann admitted to cheating in online games during his youth, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing in over-the-board events. His subsequent $100 million defamation lawsuit against Carlsen, Chess.com, and Nakamura was dismissed by a judge in June 2023.
This ongoing controversy has even inspired a Netflix documentary titled “Untold: Chess Mates,” set to premiere next week, further spotlighting the issues of integrity and trust within the chess community.
As the Candidates Tournament progresses, Nakamura currently sits in sixth place after four rounds, with the competition set to continue until April 15. As the chess world watches closely, the debate over anti-cheating measures and their implications for the sport remains a hot topic.
Published on Apr 03, 2026