Netflix’s upcoming documentary Untold: Chess Mates promises an unprecedented look into one of the most explosive rivalries in modern chess. But beyond revisiting the 2022 cheating controversy, the streaming giant went to remarkable lengths to document the evolving dynamic between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann across multiple global stages.
From Sinquefield shock to global spotlight
The saga began at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, where Niemann entered as a late replacement and stunned Carlsen in 57 moves with the white pieces in Round 3. Carlsen’s subsequent withdrawal and public cheating accusations ignited a firestorm that reshaped elite chess discourse.
While that moment serves as the documentary’s foundation, Netflix’s cameras did not stop there. Instead, the production team followed both grandmasters across key tournaments, capturing their tense encounters and parallel trajectories in the years that followed.
Filming their first rematch
A film crew was spotted at the 2024 Speed Chess Championships in Paris, where Magnus Carlsen defeated Hans Niemann 17.5–12.5 in a high-stakes semi-final. The clash marked their first meeting since the scandal, making it a pivotal chapter for the documentary narrative.
The crew’s presence signaled Netflix’s commitment to chronicling not just the controversy, but the competitive fallout that unfolded on the board.
Tracking the rivalry across continents
Netflix’s coverage extended beyond Paris. Cameras were also seen at the Champions Chess Tour Finals in Toronto, ensuring the broader chess calendar remained part of the story.
Later that year, production crews were present at the FIDE World Blitz Championship in New York City. The tournament featured another dramatic quarter-final showdown between Carlsen and Hans Niemann, once again won by the Norwegian. By embedding at these marquee events, Netflix effectively mapped the rivalry’s progression through elite competition.
Exclusive access beyond the board
Perhaps most strikingly, Norwegian media outlets reported that the Netflix crew was also present at Magnus Carlsen’s wedding in Oslo in January 2025. The inclusion of such a personal milestone suggests the documentary will offer deeper insight into the world champion’s life beyond tournament halls.
By tracking both players across competitive arenas and personal milestones, Netflix has built a layered portrait of a rivalry that transcended sport. As Untold: Chess Mates prepares for release, the scope of access reveals a production determined to capture every move — on and off the board.