Chess grandmaster Hans Niemann has been exonerated of accusations of cheating after allegations arose suggesting that he used a wireless signal-receiving device, possibly a sex toy, to gain an unfair advantage against world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Carlsen, now 32, ignited controversy when he claimed that his US competitor Niemann had engaged in cheating during a tournament in Missouri in September of the previous year.
The allegations, which even included speculative online theories that Niemann might have utilized vibrating anal beads to covertly communicate with his coach and gain an edge over Carlsen, sent shockwaves through the chess community.
Following these accusations, Niemann faced a ban from Chess.com, a platform that published a report asserting that he had likely cheated in more than 100 online games.
Refuting the allegations, Niemann took legal action and filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Carlsen, Chess.com, and US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.
On Monday, Chess.com announced that all parties had chosen to move forward without pursuing further legal action. The platform also confirmed the reinstatement of Niemann’s account and extended an invitation for him to participate in upcoming chess events.
“I look forward to competing against Magnus in chess rather than in court,” Niemann said.
Niemann has admitted to cheating online when he was 12 and 16-years-old, but denied any wrongdoing in over-the-board chess.
Chess.com said it stood by its findings in the report, “including that we found no determinative evidence that he has cheated in any in-person games”.
“I acknowledge and understand Chess.com’s report, including its statement that there is no determinative evidence that Niemann cheated in his game against me at the Sinquefield Cup,” five-time world champion Carlsen said.
“I am willing to play Niemann in future events, should we be paired together.”
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