 "Hans Niemann has confirmed his participation at Paris leg of Freestyle Chess. Image: Reuters")
The long-standing Magnus Carlsen-Hans Niemann saga has taken a fresh twist with the confirmation that Niemann will participate in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour’s Paris leg , scheduled for 8-15 April. The announcement, made by Niemann himself on social media, has surprised many given his high-profile legal battle with Carlsen in the past.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Freestyle Paris edition,” Niemann wrote on X. “Winning the Grenke Open last year was an incredible experience, and I am eager to return to the Freestyle/Grenke Open. No matter what opportunities come my way, I will continue to let my chess speak for itself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
Niemann gets Freestyle wildcard
Jan Henric Buettner, the sponsor of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, revealed that he did not seek Carlsen’s approval before extending an invitation to Niemann. Buettner has close ties with Carlsen and they have co-organised the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
Speaking to TV 2, Buettner stated, “Magnus doesn’t know it yet, but I will tell him after his game. I chose not to ask for his permission now. Magnus doesn’t have a say on who to invite. He chose the first players last year. During the event, there are players he is more or less comfortable with. That’s why I decided not to ask him for permission.”
The possibility of another Carlsen-Niemann showdown adds to the excitement. It is believed that Buettner’s move to invite Niemann is aimed at increasing the tournament’s viewership. Their last encounter was in the FIDE World Blitz Championships 2024 in New York, where Carlsen emerged victorious .
The Weissenhaus leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour was won by German GM Vincent Keymer, who defeated Fabiano Caruana in the final. Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen , who was the favourite to win the title, fell to Keymer in the semi-finals and had to settle for third place.
Carlsen–Niemann controversy
The controversy erupted during the Sinquefield Cup 2022 when Magnus Carlsen withdrew after losing to Hans Niemann, hinting at cheating. Carlsen later resigned after one move in their online rematch. Niemann admitted to past online cheating but denied any wrongdoing in the game against Carlsen.
Chess.com banned Niemann, who then sued Carlsen, the website, and Hikaru Nakamura. However, the case was dismissed in June 2023, and by August, all parties settled. Niemann was reinstated, and Carlsen agreed to play him should they be paired again.