American Grandmaster attacks Magnus Carlsen and ‘Chess Mafia’ Over profit prioritization

American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has once again expressed strong criticism of Magnus Carlsen, accusing him and his allies of prioritizing profit over the growth of chess. Niemann, a 21-year-old rising star in the chess world, has become a vocal supporter of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) amid tensions between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Operations led by Carlsen.

In his recent statements, Niemann argued that the so-called “chess mafia”—a term he has frequently used to describe Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Chess.com—has been more focused on maximizing profits than on advancing the sport.

Niemann Urges Chess Fans to Defend FIDE

Niemann took to social media, urging fans to rally behind FIDE, a non-profit organization that governs the game, which he believes is essential to chess’s long-term development. He emphasized that FIDE, unlike the "chess mafia," is driven by a genuine passion for the game.

"FIDE is a nonprofit with countless dedicated volunteers who genuinely care about chess. Meanwhile, the chess mafia talks about 'growing the game' but prioritizes their profits above all," Niemann wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Tensions Between FIDE and Freestyle Chess

The battle between FIDE and Freestyle Chess has escalated, with both parties vying to exert their influence over the future of chess. Under Carlsen's guidance, Freestyle Chess has emerged as a major force in competitive chess, all independently of FIDE. Aside from the matter of randomized starting positions for pieces, the format-which is chess with a twist, also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random Chess-is in a sense an entirely new modern conceptualization of the game.

Whereas Carlsen has been outspoken about his desire to change traditional chess and attract a younger wing, FIDE has mostly disapproved of the changes. Specifically, FIDE was against Freestyle Chess's intention to crown its own world champion, insisting that only titles from FIDE-sanctioned events should be recognized. This dispute over the World Champion tag was one of the crux issues behind Freestyle Chess Grand Slam players settling for the title of Freestyle Chess Champion instead.

A Power Struggle in the Chess World

The dispute between FIDE and Carlsen’s Freestyle Chess Operations marks a significant shift in the chess landscape. Carlsen, who has been World Champion five times, has declared that he will not return to the classical World Chess Championship cycle. Instead, he is focusing on promoting Freestyle Chess, which he believes holds the key to attracting a new generation of viewers. This shift in priorities has created tension with FIDE, which has been more traditional in its approach.

While Freestyle Chess has seen participation from top players such as World Champion D. Gukesh, World No. 2 Nakamura, and other leading chess figures, FIDE is struggling to maintain its authority over the sport’s direction. As Freestyle Chess events continue to grow in popularity, FIDE faces the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.

The Chess World Divided

Despite the personal animosities and differences between the two factions, Niemann’s message remains clear: the game of chess must be protected from the influence of profit-driven entities. His call to support FIDE is a reflection of his belief in the importance of maintaining chess as a sport for the community, not just for profit.

While the rivalry between FIDE and Freestyle Chess may continue to evolve, it is clear that the battle for control over the future of chess is far from over. Both sides will continue to clash over issues of power, tradition, and innovation as they look to shape the sport for the next generation of players and fans.