Chess Feud Reignites: ‘You Don’t Even Need to Beat Ian Nepomniachtchi’

The fallout from the controversial replay decision at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship in London has sparked a fiery war of words between Grandmasters Anish Giri and Ian Nepomniachtchi. The tension began when WR Chess, which had lost the first leg of their quarterfinal against Germany and Friends, was controversially granted a rematch by organisers after claiming they weren’t properly informed of the round’s start time.

Three top WR Chess players — Alireza Firouzja, Hikaru Nakamura, and Nepomniachtchi — arrived significantly late to their boards and lost their games. Following protests and deliberations, the quarterfinal match was replayed — a decision that drew criticism from players and fans alike.

Dutch GM Anish Giri, known for his sharp wit, confronted WR Chess players on camera, asking if they would have demanded a replay had they won. In response, Nepomniachtchi mocked Giri’s legal understanding with barbs like, “Big expert in law, Anish. Since when?” and “Next FIDE president.”

Nakamura also chimed in, questioning Giri’s strong reaction: “Why does he care so much?”

The verbal sparring didn’t end there. American GM Hans Niemann cheekily suggested on X (formerly Twitter) that the feud be settled on the board and offered to sponsor the match. Giri replied with a pointed jab: “The good thing with Ian is, one doesn’t even need to beat him. Just hang in there long enough and he will probably accept to share the title. What do you think, Ian?”

His remark referenced the controversial title-sharing moment between Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen during the FIDE World Blitz in 2023.

Niemann added one last punchline: “Perhaps if the winner becomes FIDE president, you can be CO FIDE Presidents.”