What did Magnus Carlsen Accuse Hans Niemann of?

On Monday September 26, 2022, Magnus Carlsen, the world champion of chess, accused Hans Niemann of cheating.

Carlsen’s open accusation is the latest development in a scandal that has dominated the chess world since September 4, when Carlsen abruptly withdrew from the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis after losing to Niemann of the United States.

Carlsen sent a cryptic tweet at the time, leading many to believe he suspected Niemann of wrongdoing.

In an interview, Niemann admitted that he had previously cheated by using an electronic device to find the best moves. But he claims the incidents happened when he was 12 and 16, and he claims he hasn’t cheated since.

Carlsen is not convinced. “I am not willing to play chess with Niemann,” the 31-year-old Norwegian said via Twitter, after stating he believes Niemann “has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted.”