In a move that screams “chess is sexy now,” World Chess PLC is teaming up with it.com Domains for a jaw-dropping showdown at Web Summit 2024: “Hans Niemann vs. You.” Yes, you heard that right—Grandmaster Hans Niemann, the game’s most notorious provocateur, is ready to face off against a global mob of amateur challengers. Set for November 13, this live-streamed spectacle from Lisbon invites every wannabe Bobby Fischer to get in on the action, casting votes on moves in real time. It’s a mashup of high-stakes chess and tech geekery, promising to draw in an audience that’s as fascinated by Niemann’s wild reputation as they are by the game’s cerebral depths. Buckle up, because this isn’t just chess—it’s a chaotic, interactive free-for-all where everyone gets a shot at glory (or defeat) against the “bad boy of chess.”

Read the official press release.

Play against Hans here: chess.it.com

Hans Niemann is often labeled the "bad boy of chess" due to controversies surrounding allegations of cheating in online games and his confrontational style during tournaments. His rise to prominence, combined with these scandals, has sparked intense debates and divided opinions within the chess community.