Lie Detector Showdown: Niemann vs. Dubov in Explosive Blitz Match
Levitov Chess Studio is setting up an 18-game, 3+2 Blitz match between Hans Niemann and Daniil Dubov; the loser would be obliged to go under a LIE DETECTOR TEST.
But how did the match with such extraordinary conditions come about between these players?
About two months ago, the two Super GMs butted heads on social media after GM Daniil Dubov made a statement at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship by not showing up to the board during Round 10 of Blitz. Dubov was paired against none other than Hans Niemann. When asked about the incident in an interview, Dubov said that he had simply fallen asleep in between the rounds. However, behind Dubov’s nonchalant answer, there was apparent understated sarcasm; it was an innuendo that was then fueled by Niemann himself, who decided to address his displeasure publicly through social media. Niemann challenged Dubov to a blitz match for a 10k reward to a charity.
Dubov decided to break silence through his Instagram and extended an offer of his own, which came with a condition; he wanted Hans to go through a lie detector test, which would feature questions only about “cheating.” In the case Hans comes out clean, they play a 24-game match for $2,000 for a point.
As it turns out, a match is now set in place–18 games, 3m+2s blitz time control, loser to undergo a lie detector test. For now, the match is set to take place from March 7-8, immediately after the conclusion of the Aeroflot Open. Both the players are also going to participate in the 2025 Aeroflot Open in Moscow, which concludes on March 6, 2025. Levitov Chess will organize an exclusive broadcast for this exciting and controversial match.
