Hans Niemann is once again in the headlines as he opens up about his early exit from the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Paris Leg. Hans vs. Magnus is a controversy that has shaken the world for years now. The conflict was based on Magnus’ claims that Niemann cheated during over-the-board chess, the remarks which were fueled because Niemann had earlier admitted to “cheating” in online chess games. Even though there was a whole lawsuit involved, the results were inconclusive, and the world thought we’re over it unless Hans Niemann was invited to the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Paris Leg.
He withdrew from the tournament in less than 36 hours before it began. Now, the catch here is the timing. The controversy centres around the timing of his withdrawal. Reports indicate that Niemann exited the tournament mere hours after being informed about the introduction of new “anti-cheating” measures that included advanced security equipment. Speculations suggested that Hans Niemann’s withdrawal was most likely influenced by these rules, hence the controversy.
Hans Niemann Opens Up On His Withdrawal
Now, the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Paris Leg ended in April itself; however, on 5 May, Hans Niemann decided to open up about the conflict. He took to his X account and wrote, “Now that some of the dust has settled, I want to address my withdrawal from Paris. I didn’t immediately issue a public statement because, frankly, I was deeply frustrated by the organizers’ and TV2’s absurd speculation suggesting my decision was linked to what they dramatically called “new, advanced anti-cheating measures”
“The article falsely claimed that the last message I received referenced “enhanced measures.” To be absolutely clear—this is completely false. Unsurprisingly, the usual suspects within the chess mafia eagerly amplified this ridiculous narrative. At the time, I believed publicly responding would only legitimize accusations that have no basis in reality.
“I withdrew from the tournament strictly for personal reasons that I prefer not to disclose publicly right now. What’s been particularly disappointing is witnessing how quickly some people jumped on this moment to perpetuate three years of baseless accusations against me. I genuinely wonder when they’ll finally accept reality,” he added
Now that some of the dust has settled, I want to address my withdrawal from Paris. I didn't immediately issue a public statement because, frankly, I was deeply frustrated by the organizers' and TV2’s absurd speculation suggesting my decision was linked to what they dramatically…
— Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) May 5, 2025
Hans Niemann’s early exit from the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour Paris Leg definitely came as a shock. Even if he claims the decision was influenced by “personal decisions,” the controversy persists due to its timing and the long history of Niemann vs. Magnus on the same.
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