World Chess PLC (LSE: CHSS), in collaboration with it.com Domains and Web Summit, held "Hans Niemann vs. You" event, which took place on 13 November 2024, at Lisbon's MEO Arena. This landmark challenge saw a record-breaking 106,638 participants from 132 countries join forces to challenge Grandmaster Hans Niemann in an AI-assisted, real-time match that marked a significant milestone in the history of online chess.
A New Record for Online Chess Participation
This match, streamed live and featuring a unique voting system that allowed players of all levels to vote on each move, surpassed previous records held by events such as Garry Kasparov's "Kasparov vs. The World" and Viswanathan Anand's 60,000-opponent match. Participants united under the banner of the "World Team" and collaborated through an AI advisor system based on the Stockfish engine, selecting moves at Grandmaster, Advanced, and Amateur levels. The match concluded in 71 moves, with Hans Niemann securing victory in a game that captured the interest of both the chess and tech communities.
Unprecedented Participation: 106,638 players, from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, joined forces to form the "World Team," setting a new benchmark in the realm of online simultaneous chess matches.
AI-Powered Engagement: Utilising an AI advisor allowed participants of varying skill levels to make informed decisions, enhancing the strategic depth of the game while highlighting AI's growing role in chess.
High-Level Visibility: Hosted live at Web Summit and viewed across multiple platforms, the event engaged thousands of live viewers and underscored chess's appeal in the tech industry.
““Chess is seeing remarkable growth, and we’re thrilled to showcase its modern potential. Events like this allow us to integrate cutting-edge technology into chess, making it accessible and exciting for a global audience.””
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.
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