Hans Niemann Claims Chess.com is Untrustworthy and Favors Streamers

Controversial chess figure Hans Niemann has recently voiced serious concerns regarding chess.com, alleging that the platform exhibits bias. His accusations follow a disciplinary action taken against renowned Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, raising questions about chess.com’s credibility.

On December 11, Kramnik was handed a ban from participating in events hosted by chess.com after he persisted in making unsubstantiated cheating allegations against fellow players despite previous warnings against such behavior on social media.

In light of the six-month suspension, which Kramnik is challenging legally through his attorney, Niemann has come forward to support him. Niemann, no stranger to controversy himself—having faced cheating allegations during over-the-board competitions against Magnus Carlsen, which were never substantiated—has a complex history with the platform.

Evidence has surfaced indicating that Niemann did engage in cheating during chess.com matches, culminating in his filing of a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and chess.com concerning these allegations. Although the lawsuit has been settled, tensions between Niemann and chess.com remain high.

Niemann’s Claims of Disloyalty to Chess

In a sharp response to the ban on Kramnik, Niemann took to social media to criticize the actions of GM Hikaru Nakamura, alleging that Nakamura has falsely accused numerous players of cheating without facing any repercussions. Niemann’s frustration is palpable as he recounts, “When all of Chesscom’s streamers engaged in an all-out defamation blitz against me, they fanned the flames. I’ve lost track of how many people Hikaru has maliciously accused, including a young Erigaisi and Tang.”

When all of Chesscom’s streamers engaged in an all out defamation blitz against me, they fanned the flames. I’ve lost track of how many people Hikaru has maliciously accused, including a young Erigaisi and Tang. We cannot trust a FOR PROFIT business to act fairly as a regulatory… https://t.co/VmruH7xoUP

— Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) December 11, 2024

Notably, Nakamura has previously made headlines for threatening to confront the young Grandmaster Andrew Tang after he managed to score only 20% against him in a matchup.

Echoing his concerns, Niemann remarked, “We cannot trust a FOR PROFIT business to act fairly as a regulatory body. They have proven time and time again, that their loyalty lies with their ‘ambassadors,’ not with the game of chess.”

As of now, chess.com has not issued a response to Niemann’s assertions. Given the history of hostilities between Niemann and the platform, it appears that this conflict is far from resolution.

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