Controversial chess pro Hans Niemann has been banned from the Saint Louis Chess Club for the entirety of 2024, and he is not happy about it.
Hans Niemann has emerged as one of the most promising chess stars in recent memory after a surprising victory against the world’s best player, Magnus Carlsen, in 2022.
However, his newfound fame soon devolved into infamy as Carlsen began to accuse Nieman of cheating in an over-the-board event after previously doing so online.
While Niemann has since been cleared of any wrongdoing by Chess.com, the controversy has continued into 2024, with the pro now being banned from the world-famous Saint Louis Chess Club.
Saint Louis Chess Club bans Hans Niemann from 2024 tournaments
In a statement, the Saint Louis Chess Club claimed that after consideration of recent events, they would not be extending an invitation to Hans Niemann to compete in any tournament hosted in 2024.
“The decision was based on GM Hans Niemann’s demonstrated inappropriate behavior including damaging private property, rude comments and an uncooperative attitude resulting in a failure to fulfill contractual obligations,” the club said.
— Saint Louis Chess Club (@STLChessClub) February 2, 2024
Furthermore, the club added that they hoped this would give Niemann time to “experience personal reflection,” and that they would reevaluate this decision in the future depending on the progress he makes.
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Hans was not thrilled with this and posted a scathing tweet slamming the club for how he has been treated in the past while disputing some of the claims.
Hans Niemann slams Saint Louis Chess Club for 2024 ban
“In all of 2023, I received 0 invitations to tournaments and could not even get a response to an email or call for months on end,” he said. “I was assured shortly before the US Championships that I was not ‘blacklisted’ by the club and would receive invitations in 2024. I was assured that my relationship with the club was fine and was never made aware of any ‘inappropriate behavior’ or rude comments.”
He went on to say that the claim about him not fulfilling contractual obligations was “ridiculous,” explaining that they stemmed from him not wanting to do an interview after a disappointing draw while agreeing to all other interviews throughout the US Chess Championships.
I'd just like to immediately clarify how completely inaccurate this is. I will be posting a full detailed video going through the entire timeline since Fall 2022 and how the Saint Louis Chess Club has treated me since then. In all of 2023, I received 0 invitations to tournaments… https://t.co/VQBBuOUi4m
— Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) February 2, 2024
“This is only an excuse that they have now conjured up their decision to blacklist one of America’s brightest talents,” Niemann added. “They seem to be committed to ruining the career of one of America’s brightest talents. I will not let this blatant disinformation continue and will address everything in detail as soon as possible.”
The 20-year-old says he plans to release a full video going over his ban and explaining the situation in more detail. He also vows that the truth “will prevail” and he won’t be silenced.