- Resolution of Chess Scandal Lawsuit
- Background of the Chess Controversy
- Statements from the Involved Parties
A dispute that prompted a scandal in the world of elite chess appears to have been resolved, as the players involved have stated that they have resolved their differences.
Rising chess prodigy Hans Niemann sued Magnus Carlsen, chess.com, and Hikaru Nakamura for $100 million for cheating.
Niemann overcame Carlsen, one of the greatest players ever, at the Sinquefield Cup last year. The Norwegian implied that the adolescent had committed fraud. A week later, Carlsen declined to play against the Americans in an online game and instead resigned.
Niemann cheated online at 12 and 16, but never on the board. Musk promised to play naked to prove his innocence when vibrating anal beads were alleged.
Chess.com, a website with millions of users worldwide, concluded in a 72-page report published in October 2017 that Niemann “likely cheated” in online contests between July 2015 and August 2020. Niemann denied these charges. The report found no evidence that Niemann was deceived in face-to-face matches.
In June, an American magistrate dismissed Niemann’s lawsuit.
Monday, chess.com announced that the parties had agreed to move forward without further legal threats.
We are pleased to report that we have reached an agreement with Hans Niemann to put our differences behind us and move forward together without further litigation,” the website stated in a statement.
Hans has been entirely reinstated to Chess.com at this time, and we look forward to his participation in our events. We would also like to reiterate that we stand by the conclusions in our public report from October 2022 regarding Hans, including that we found no conclusive evidence that he cheated in any live events. We love chess and are grateful to our loyal fans and community members.”
Carlsen, the top-ranked chess player in the world, addressed the Sinquefield Cup in his statement.
The Norwegian stated, “I acknowledge and comprehend Chess.com’s report, including its assertion that there is no conclusive evidence that Niemann cheated in his game against me at the Sinquefield Cup.” “I am willing to compete against Niemann in future competitions if we are paired together.”
Niemann expressed his desire to move on from the lawsuit.
“I am delighted that my lawsuit against Magnus Carlsen and Chess.com has been resolved amicably and that I will be rejoining Chess.com. “I’d rather face Magnus in a chess match than in court,” he said.
Niemann’s lawsuit claimed Carslen paid another grandmaster €300 to shout “Cheater Hans” from a tournament balcony. Carlsen denied any improper conduct.
