Chess website finds Hans Niemann probably cheated 'much more' than he publicly admitted

Jack Birle

October 04, 10:15 PM October 04, 10:15 PM

A 72-page report from an on the internet chess server located Hans Niemann likely cheated in more than 100 on the net matches as just lately as 2020.

The Chess.com report was launched Tuesday immediately after the chess world had been rocked by allegations Niemann experienced a historical past of cheating in the sport, foremost to entire world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen abruptly leaving a match in opposition to him previous thirty day period.

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"We existing evidence in this report that Hans possible cheated online much a lot more than his general public statements propose. On the other hand, when Hans has had a history-placing and remarkable increase in rating and power, in our perspective there is a lack of concrete statistical proof that he cheated in his video game with Magnus or in any other over-the-board ('OTB') — i.e., in-particular person activity," the report explained.

Chess.com also claimed they "disagree" with Niemann's statements that he by no means cheated in tournaments with prize dollars, just after the age of 16, or even though streaming.

"General, we have observed that Hans has likely cheated in a lot more than 100 on the net chess games, which includes numerous prize funds occasions. He was presently 17 when he likely cheated in some of these matches and game titles. He was also streaming in 25 of these games," the report reported.

The organization claimed he admitted to them privately that he cheated and approved the punishment of a ban for a period of time. They also touted their cheat detection program, which Niemann has known as "the ideal cheat detection in the environment."

In the report, the company states that they do not have the exact concern about Niemann's in excess of-the-board games, stating, "It is not our posture that Hans should be limited or banned from OTB chess."

Niemann has fiercely denied cheating in any more than-the-board matches and has previously explained cheating on on the internet matches was the "best miscalculation of my life."