Why are Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann rivals? Cheating scandal, bizarre theory and Netflix documentary

Carlsen defeated Niemann 1.5-0.5 in Paris to secure his place in the EWC chess playoffs, adding another chapter to a feud that stretches back almost four years.

What began with a shock victory over Carlsen in 2022 quickly developed into allegations of cheating, a $100 million lawsuit and a bizarre internet theory involving a concealed vibrating sex toy.

The controversy became one of the biggest stories chess has seen in recent years and was even revisited by Netflix in the 2026 documentary Untold: Chess Mates.

So, why are Carlsen and Niemann rivals, and where did the extraordinary theory surrounding their feud come from?

Why are Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann rivals?

The rivalry began at the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis in September 2022.

Niemann, who was 19 at the time, stunned Carlsen while playing with the black pieces, ending the Norwegian's 53-game unbeaten run in classical chess.

Carlsen withdrew from the tournament the following day and posted a cryptic social media message featuring a clip of football manager Jose Mourinho saying: "If I speak, I am in big trouble."

The post immediately triggered speculation over the reason for his withdrawal.

Carlsen subsequently said he believed Niemann had cheated more extensively than he had publicly admitted and that he did not want to play against people he believed had repeatedly cheated in the past.

Niemann acknowledged that he had cheated in online chess when he was younger but strongly denied cheating against Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup or in over-the-board chess.

No evidence has established that Niemann cheated during his victory over Carlsen.

What was the bizarre Hans Niemann cheating theory?

This was where the controversy moved well beyond the chess world.

As speculation surrounding Niemann's victory spread online, an extraordinary theory emerged suggesting that he could theoretically have received moves from a chess engine through a vibrating device concealed inside his body.

The idea became widely known as the "anal beads" or "buttplug" theory.

There was no evidence that Niemann used such a device, and this was not the method of cheating alleged by Carlsen.

Instead, it emerged from online speculation and rapidly developed into a viral meme.

The theory became so widely shared that it was referenced by mainstream media and celebrities and became one of the details most closely associated with the scandal outside traditional chess circles.

Niemann has repeatedly addressed the rumour, which has continued to follow him despite the absence of evidence supporting it.

Why did Magnus Carlsen resign against Hans Niemann after one move?

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The controversy escalated when Carlsen and Niemann were paired again at the Julius Baer Generation Cup later in September 2022.

Their highly anticipated rematch barely got started.

Niemann opened with 1.d4 and Carlsen responded with Nf6. After Niemann made his second move, Carlsen resigned and disconnected.

The extraordinary moment intensified speculation surrounding their relationship.

Carlsen later released a statement explaining his position and describing cheating as an "existential threat" to chess.

By that point, the dispute had developed into a much wider debate about cheating, technology and trust at the highest level of the game.

Did Hans Niemann sue Magnus Carlsen?

Yes. Niemann filed a $100 million lawsuit in October 2022 against Carlsen, Chess.com and other parties, including fellow grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.

A federal judge later dismissed Niemann's federal antitrust claims, while other claims were dismissed without prejudice.

The parties announced an agreement in August 2023 that brought the legal dispute to an end and allowed Niemann to return to Chess.com.

Carlsen also acknowledged that a Chess.com report had found no determinative evidence that Niemann cheated during their Sinquefield Cup game and said he was willing to play Niemann again if they were paired in future competitions.

Is there a Netflix documentary about Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann?

Yes. The controversy was revisited in the Netflix documentary Untold: Chess Mates, released in April 2026.

The documentary looks back at Niemann's rise and his controversial victory over Carlsen before exploring the cheating allegations and the fallout that followed.

Both Carlsen and Niemann feature in the documentary, alongside other prominent figures from chess, including Hikaru Nakamura.

The infamous sex-toy theory also features as the documentary examines how what began as a dispute between two chess players developed into an international story.

Have Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann played since the scandal?

Yes, the pair have faced each other competitively since the events of 2022.

One of their most notable subsequent meetings came at the 2024 Speed Chess Championship in Paris.

Carlsen won their semi-final 17.5-12.5, marking their first full match against each other since the controversy began.

Their latest chapter has now taken place at the 2026 Esports World Cup.

Carlsen defeated Niemann 1.5-0.5 during the group stage, winning the opening game before drawing the second to secure the match and his place in the playoffs.

Four years after one chess game sparked allegations, internet theories, legal action and eventually a Netflix documentary, Carlsen against Niemann remains anything but an ordinary chess match.

How to watch Esports World Cup chess on DAZN

Fans can watch chess at the 2026 Esports World Cup live and for free on DAZN throughout the tournament.

Coverage is available globally, excluding China, South Korea, the CIS region, Ukraine, Malaysia, Hungary and Finland.

To watch live:

1. Download the DAZN app on your preferred device or visit DAZN.com.
2. Sign up for a free DAZN account, or log in if you already have one.
3. Search for Esports World Cup or browse the esports section.
4. Select the chess stream and start watching live.

The Esports World Cup can be streamed through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, as well as through a web browser.