American chess prodigy Hans Niemann has declared his intention to become a "stone cold killer" and the world's top player, vowing to surpass five-time classical world champion Magnus Carlsen. This pledge features in a new Netflix documentary, "Untold: Chess Mates," which revisits the 2022 cheating scandal that rocked elite chess.
Niemann, who admitted to cheating in online games but denies wrongdoing in over-the-board play, stated in the film, "I'm going to become the best player in the world. And no one is going to believe that now, but this clip will play over and over again in 10 years - just wait."
The documentary explores the controversy ignited when Carlsen withdrew from a game against Niemann, citing suspicion of cheating. Niemann's lawsuit against Carlsen and others, initially seeking $100 million, was dismissed before a settlement was reached.
Carlsen, while remaining skeptical, adopts a more measured tone in the film, stating, "I'm not motivated by it, but if that's going to inspire him to be the best version of himself, he should go for it - as long as he plays fair."
While Carlsen remains the world number one, Niemann has ascended into the top 20 chess players globally.