Untold: Chess Mates

Untold: Chess Mates (2026)



6.9 2026 75 min United States of America

Director: Thomas Tancred

Cast: Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann, Danny Rensch, Erik Allebest, Hikaru Nakamura

Documentary
Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed legend of the chessboard, faces his most formidable adversary yet in Hans Niemann—a bold young talent riding the explosive wave of online chess fame. Niemann’s rapid rise hit a fever pitch with a stunning, scandal-tinged triumph over Carlsen at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, igniting a firestorm of cheating accusations and shocking disclosures. Driven to reclaim his reputation, Niemann battles relentlessly through the ranks, orchestrating a tense, high-stakes showdown with Carlsen set for 2024.

More About This Film

Untold: Chess Mates is a 2026 Netflix sports documentary about one of the strangest scandals to emerge from the world of competitive chess. The film revisits the controversy surrounding a match between grandmasters and examines how an unusual object became the center of an international dispute.

The documentary places the incident in the larger context of professional chess, online competition, accusations, and the intense pressure surrounding elite players. As part of Netflix's Untold franchise, it combines interviews, archival material, and a fast-moving investigative structure to turn a bizarre sporting controversy into a broader story about competition and reputation.

  • The documentary is part of Netflix's Untold sports-documentary series.
  • It focuses on the scandal surrounding a chess match between grandmasters.
  • The unusual controversy involved anal beads and allegations surrounding their possible use during play.
  • It was released by Netflix in 2026.
  • The film is classified as a documentary combining sports, business, and investigative elements.

Where to Watch

Untold: Chess Mates is available through Netflix and related digital platforms in supported regions.