Hans Niemann shared his global goals for his chess career in an interview with Anna Cramling. Hans stated that his goal is to become World Champion and the best player in the world.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“I think I’m reaching the point where I’m almost breaking through in the Top-10. It’s only up from here, hopefully.

Long-term goal? To become a World Champion. What other goal is there? Short term, I’m focusing on the Freestyle World Championship, I want to make it to the Top-4. I want to play a lot of Classical chess this year, I want to get raise my rating. And I want to do well in Esports World Cup.

I just want to make use of opportunities and prove that I’m one of the best, and hopefully become the best player in the world.”

American GM Hans Moke Niemann participated in the interview during the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026. The event is the first joint World Championship in 960 format, which took place in Weissenhaus, Germany from February 13 to 15. Hans Niemann won in the Lower Bracket and finished 5th out of 8.

Credit: Lennart Ootes/Freestyle Chess