Chess grandmaster Hans Niemann has been cleared of cheating following claims that he used a sex toy to receive wireless signals against world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Carlsen, now 32, sparked controversy after he accused US rival Niemann of cheating during a tournament in Missouri last September.
The claims, including wild online speculation that Niemann used vibrating anal beads to communicate with his coach and help him beat Carlsen, rocked the chess world.
Shortly after, Niemann was banned by Chess.com, which published a report alleging that he had probably cheated more than 100 times in online games.
Niemann, who denied the allegations, later filed a $100 million defamation suit against Carlsen, Chess.com and US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.
Chess.com announced on Monday that all parties had agreed to move forward without any further litigation. The platform added that Niemann’s account has been reinstated and he is welcome to play at future events.
“I look forward to competing against Magnus in chess rather than in court,” Niemann said.
Niemann has admitted to cheating online when he was 12 and 16-years-old, but denied any wrongdoing in over-the-board chess.
Chess.com said it stood by its findings in the report, “including that we found no determinative evidence that he has cheated in any in-person games”.
“I acknowledge and understand Chess.com’s report, including its statement that there is no determinative evidence that Niemann cheated in his game against me at the Sinquefield Cup," five-time world champion Carlsen said.
“I am willing to play Niemann in future events, should we be paired together.”
