Home / Sports / Chess Star Slams FIDE's 'Nonsense' Anti-Cheating Measures
Chess Star Slams FIDE's 'Nonsense' Anti-Cheating Measures
2 Apr
Summary
- Grandmaster Nakamura criticizes FIDE's anti-cheating measures as excessive.
- He likens security scrutiny to that of secret agents, calling it 'nonsense'.
- Nakamura expresses concerns over the overblown fears of cheating at tournaments.
World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura has voiced significant dissatisfaction with the anti-cheating protocols implemented by the international chess governing body, FIDE, at the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Following an initial loss in the tournament, Nakamura expressed his views on a YouTube stream, labeling the extensive security measures as "complete nonsense."
Nakamura questioned the necessity of the rigorous scanning and metal detection procedures, humorously comparing the scrutiny to that of intelligence agents. He articulated that while he has no personal issue with the checks, the fears expressed by some players regarding over-the-board cheating are significantly exaggerated. The grandmaster believes that in a controlled environment with arbiters and cameras, the risk of cheating without inside assistance is minimal.
Despite his strong opinions, Nakamura confirmed he has not formally communicated his concerns to FIDE, viewing it as an unproductive endeavor. He differentiated his perspective from smaller, less secure tournaments, where he could understand such concerns. As of the article's reporting, Nakamura has secured 1.5 points from his initial four rounds in the tournament.
