Niemann Withdraws from Paris. Afraid of the Controls?

Officially for personal reasons—but unofficially, many point to the strictest anti-cheating measures in chess history as the real cause. Coincidence?

---

Niemann Withdraws from Paris. Afraid of the Controls?

It was supposed to be one of the most exciting chess events of the year. But before a single move was played, the tournament was shaken by a dramatic announcement: Hans Niemann has withdrawn from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Paris, just 48 hours before round one.

Officially, Niemann cited “personal reasons.” Unofficially? His decision came shortly after players were informed about new anti-cheating protocols, described by organizers as the strictest ever implemented at any chess event. Coincidence? Or a calculated retreat?

What is Freestyle Chess?

Freestyle Chess—also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random—breaks away from traditional openings. The back-rank pieces are randomized, creating 960 different starting positions. Kings must remain between the rooks to allow castling, and bishops must be placed on opposite-colored squares.

The goal? Eliminate rote memorization and opening preparation. Let creativity, intuition, and pure chess skill shine through.

Multimillionaire entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, the driving force behind the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, wants to revolutionize the game. With elite fields, beautiful venues, and massive prize funds (including €100,000 for first place), he envisions freestyle chess as the Wimbledon of the chess world.

Niemann’s Wild Card and Sudden Exit

Niemann earned a wild card for Paris after winning the 2024 Grenke Chess Open. Originally slated to play the Grenke Classic, he was later offered a Freestyle Grand Slam spot when that tournament was restructured.

He expressed gratitude on social media:

“I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Freestyle Paris edition. No matter what opportunities come my way, I will continue to let my chess speak for itself.”
—Hans Niemann on X

Yet, days later, after being notified of the tournament’s enhanced anti-cheating measures, he pulled out.

Organizers declined to speculate on the reason. But the timing has fueled speculation, especially given Niemann’s controversial past.

A Rivalry That Still Burns

Niemann’s withdrawal also robs fans of a potential showdown with Magnus Carlsen, co-founder of the Freestyle tour and the world’s top-rated player. Their rivalry ignited in 2022 when Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating after losing to him at the Sinquefield Cup.

The fallout led to a $100 million defamation lawsuit, later dismissed and settled privately. But tensions remain. In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Carlsen said:

“It didn’t smell good to me. It still doesn’t. I don’t trust him, and a lot of top players still don’t trust him.”

A New Era for Chess?

Freestyle Chess challenges the status quo. It pushes back against opening theory and computer-aided preparation. Proponents say it levels the playing field and rewards imagination over memory.

Critics argue it’s abandoning the rich heritage of classical chess. But players like Carlsen, Nakamura, and Gukesh have embraced the format—suggesting a new era may be on the horizon.

Still a Powerhouse Lineup

Despite Niemann’s and Firouzja’s withdrawals, the Paris event remains packed with elite talent. Replacements Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Richard Rapport step in to complete a stellar lineup:

• Magnus Carlsen (Norway)

• Hikaru Nakamura (USA)

• Gukesh Dommaraju (India)

• Fabiano Caruana (USA)

• Arjun Erigaisi (India)

• Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia)

• Praggnanandhaa R. (India)

• Vidit Gujrathi (India)

• Vincent Keymer (Germany)

• Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France)

• Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan)

• Richard Rapport (Hungary)

The first round begins Monday, April 7, in Pavillon Chesnaie du Roy, Paris.

One less player. One more mystery.
The chess world watches on.