GMHikaru comes face-to-face with Hans Niemann for the first time since controversial lawsuit, former wins 21-9

Chess Grandmaster and Twitch and Kick streamer Hikaru Nakamura (or simply "GMHikaru") has finally come face-to-face with Hans Niemann. For context, the two players share a rivalry online with Hans often sending shots in Hikaru's direction. The two were also involved in a lawsuit - Hans had filed a legal case against Magnus Carlsen, Chess.com, and GMHikaru over allegations of cheating.

Despite playing online on multiple occasions, the two Chess Grandmasters finally faced each other in a physical location during the ongoing Speed Chess Championship 2024. Despite the third-place match being close initially, GMHikaru dominated the later stages, winning by a whopping 21-9 score.

GMHikaru later posted a YouTube video titled TODAY I PLAYED THE FIRST AMERICAN WORLD CHAMPION IN PARIS!!!, taking a dig at Hans. He stated:

"He's (Hans Niemann) gonna realize that he needs to be a little bit more realistic with expectations, understand where he is at chess currently. He is a strong player but he's not at that elite level just yet and it's fine to talk a lot of bluster and trash talk but if you can't back the talk, then it makes it look like a fool."

(Timestamp: 22:46)

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Hans Niemann speaks on his defeat against GMHikaru

Hans Niemann has developed a rather controversial reputation online, having even defeated GM Hikaru Nakamura in several online games. However, yesterday (September 7) marked the first time they faced each other in an in-person match since the controversial lawsuit.

Despite the physical location, the match wasn't played on a traditional chessboard but through computers. Speaking about his defeat, Hans said:

"There is no excuse for defeat. I will be back stronger. Thanks to all my fans, I promise you all, I’m determined to do whatever it takes to become the best player in the world."

Hans Niemann speaks on his defeat against GMHikaru (Image via X/Hans Niemann)

He made a second post, congratulating the Twitch streamer and stating that he would be back for next year's Speed Chess Championship. He wrote:

"Congrats to Hikaru. All I’ve ever wanted is the chance to compete against the best players in the world and I’m grateful for the opportunity. A lot to learn, and I’ll be preparing the entire year for the next SCC."

Hans Nieman congratulates GMHikaru on his win (Image via X/Hans Niemann)

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This was the third-place match in the ongoing 2024 Speed Chess Championship. The final, set to take place later today (September 8), will be contested between GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Alireza Firouzja.