• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

Report Alleges Chess Grandmaster Cheated in Over 100 Games

  • A report from Chess.com found more than 100 instances of likely cheating by grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann, including in prize money events.
  • Niemann has been banned from Chess.com and its upcoming $1 million tournament.
Shutterstock

The world’s largest online chess platform released its findings on a scandal that has shaken the chess community.

Chess.com’s investigation revealed that 19-year-old grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann likely cheated using computer assistance in more than 100 online chess games, including multiple prize-money events. 

The platform has banned Niemann and removed him from the Chess.com Global Championship, which carries a prize fund of $1 million.

  • Though Niemann had previously been suspended from Chess.com for cheating, the scandal began in earnest when world champion Magnus Carlsen dropped out of September’s Sinquefield Cup, forfeiting a chance at its $350,000 purse, after losing to Niemann. 
  • Carlsen’s shocking move brought scrutiny to Niemann’s postgame analysis, which other grandmasters called “incoherent” and below what’s expected of a player of Niemann’s rating.
  • Niemann’s rating has risen faster than any other player’s in history over a comparable time period.

Chess.com did not make a determination on whether Niemann had cheated during in-person games such as his fateful match against Carlsen, but said that the issue warrants further inquiry. The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the global governing body for the game, is conducting its own investigation.

Who Can Play Magnus?

The kerfuffle has been awkward for Chess.com and Carlsen, who are financially entangled after the platform agreed to acquire the champion’s company Play Magnus for $82.9 million in August.

Chess.com said it did not consult Carlsen on any of its actions surrounding its investigation or decisions to ban him.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.

WNBA Hits Sophie Cunningham With Fine Over Ref Criticism—Again

Cunningham was fined $500 in July for criticizing referees on a TikTok.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Bucks
October 7, 2025

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.