The Untold Story Behind the Chess Cheating Scandal

Netflix's 'Untold: Chess Mates' documentary explores the rivalry between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann that rocked the competitive chess world.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:11pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to convey the glamour and scandal of the competitive chess world.The vibrant world of competitive chess has been rocked by allegations of cheating and scandal, exposing the high-stakes drama behind the game's glamorous facade.St. Louis Today

The latest installment of Netflix's 'Untold' anthology series dives into the cheating scandal that erupted in 2022 between world #1 chess player Magnus Carlsen and rising American star Hans Niemann. The documentary unpacks the rivalry between the two grandmasters, the role of online chess platforms like Chess.com, and the outlandish theories that emerged around Niemann potentially using vibrating anal beads to cheat.

Why it matters

The Carlsen-Niemann scandal highlighted the evolving culture of competitive chess, where online platforms and social media have transformed the game's ecosystem. It also raised questions about the power and influence of major chess organizations like Chess.com, and the challenges of policing cheating in both online and over-the-board play.

The details

In 2022, Niemann, then a 19-year-old prodigy, scored a surprise victory over the reigning world #1 Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup. Carlsen subsequently withdrew from the tournament, sparking accusations that Niemann had cheated. The documentary explores the various theories around how Niemann may have been aided by computer programs or even vibrating devices, though no definitive evidence of over-the-board cheating was found. It also delves into the role of Chess.com, which conducted its own investigation and banned Niemann from its platform, raising questions about the company's close relationships with top players like Carlsen.

  • In 2022, Niemann beat Carlsen at the FTX Crypto Cup in Miami.
  • In September 2022, Niemann defeated Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, prompting Carlsen's withdrawal.
  • Two weeks later, Carlsen forfeited a match against Niemann in the Julius Baer Generation Cup.
  • In October 2022, Niemann filed a $100 million lawsuit against Carlsen, Chess.com, and others, which was later dismissed in June 2023.
  • In 2024, Carlsen defeated Niemann in the Paris Speed Chess Championship.

The players

Magnus Carlsen

The Norwegian grandmaster who has been ranked world #1 in chess for 15 years, but has not competed in the World Chess Championship since 2022.

Hans Niemann

A young American chess player who achieved grandmaster status in 2021 and was at the center of the cheating scandal, with allegations that he used vibrating devices to cheat.

Danny Rensch

The chief chess officer of Chess.com, a key figure in the controversy who worked with Carlsen and Niemann.

Erik Allebest

The co-founder of Chess.com, who discussed the company's relationships with the grandmasters and the financial implications of the scandal.

Wesley So

An American-Filipino grandmaster who commented on Niemann's performance at the FTX Crypto Cup.

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What they’re saying

“When I say 'chess player,' people think of an old white guy from Russia.”

— Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer, Chess.com

“Anal beads have been super good to us.”

— Erik Allebest, Co-founder, Chess.com

“I felt that I'd sort of been gaslit a bit by Chess.com.”

— Magnus Carlsen

“In retrospect, maybe Chess.com was so concerned about [their] relationship to Magnus that they might have promised a little more than they can deliver.”

— Henrik Carlsen, Magnus Carlsen's father

What’s next

The scandal has largely died down, but the day before the 'Untold: Chess Mates' documentary premiered, it was reported that Carlsen's chess startup, Take Take Take, is expanding into tools for playing and improving at chess, putting it in direct competition with Chess.com. This announcement coincides with the release of the documentary, where Carlsen criticizes Chess.com's founders, raising the possibility of a new grudge match between the two sides.

The takeaway

The Carlsen-Niemann scandal highlighted the evolving culture of competitive chess, where online platforms and social media have transformed the game's ecosystem. It also raised questions about the power and influence of major chess organizations like Chess.com, and the challenges of policing cheating in both online and over-the-board play.