Chess world champion Magnus Carlsen accuses opponent of cheating in bombshell statement

It turns out even the nerdverse can be rocked by a good ol’ scandal.

Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion, has openly accused fellow player Hans Niemann of cheating in a bombshell statement. 

It’s worth noting that although Carlsen, 31, accused Niemann, 19, of ‘cheating more than he’s publicly admitted’, Carlsen hasn’t actually offered up any evidence. 

Earlier this month, Carlsen was beaten by Niemann, and the former has previously hinted at the latter’s dishonesty.

Although Niemann has admitted to cheating during an online game of chess at the ages of 12 and 16, he strenuously denies ever cheating over the board and has accused Carlsen of trying to sabotage his career. 

Niemann has even offered to take part in a naked chess game to prove his good faith.

Carlsen was beaten by Niemann earlier this month at the Sinquefield Cup - ending Carlsen’s winning streak.

Carlsen had won 53 games in a row before losing to Niemann, and following the loss, the chess stars’ relationship soured.

Just last week, Carlsen and Niemann faced off in an online tournament, but Carlsen quit the game after just one move, although he did go on to win the tournament. 

Following his victory, Carlsen promised he’d be talking more about the scandal in due course, adding that he wanted ‘cheating in chess to be dealt with seriously’.

Then, on Monday (26 September), Carlsen all-out accused Niemann of cheating in a lengthy statement shared on Twitter.

It read in part: "I'm frustrated. I want to continue to play chess at the highest level in the best events.

"I believe that cheating in chess is a big deal and an existential threat to the game. I also believe that chess organisers and all those who care about the sanctity of the game we love should seriously consider increasing security measures and methods of cheat detection for over the board chess.”

He added: "I believe that Niemann has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted.

"We must do something about cheating, and for my part going forward, I don't want to play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past, because I don't know what they are capable of doing in the future.”

Although Niemann has yet to reply to Carlsen’s statement, earlier this month, the teenager denied having cheated.

Niemann said: “If they want me to strip fully naked, I will do it. I don't care, because I know I am clean. 

“You want me to play in a closed box with zero electronic transmission, I don't care. I'm here to win and that is my goal regardless.”

UNILAD has contacted Niemann and Carlsen’s representatives for comment. 

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