Hans Moke Niemann shared his thoughts on his first performance at the Chess Olympiad. Niemann says he wants to play at the Olympiad for Team USA for several decades. Hans notes that he made it to the event for the first time later than his compatriots. Niemann spoke about it in an interview with FIDE.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“I’m a real patriot as many know, so it’s an honor to represent my country on the biggest possible chess stage.

I’ve really wanted to play in the team for a long time. I actually asked Wesley when his first Olympiad was. He said he was 12. Levon was 13. So, I feel like I’m a bit late to the party. So, I have to stay in good physical health, I have to maintain longevity so I can play at least for another 30 years on the team.

I’ve just arranged and ordered some paddle rackets. So, I think a nightly paddle game will bring the camaraderie and will lighten things up a bit. Although I fear that the level of paddle diverges quite to a serious degree.

Who among us is the best? Well, I don’t want to reinforce my arrogant reputation by answering that question. But my paddle will speak for itself.”

The Chess Olympiad 2026 takes place from September 16 to 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Hans Moke Niemann defeated his Iraqi opponent on the first day of the event. Niemann drew with a Mongolian IM on the second day. Hans is on -2.4 Classical points.

Credit: Rafal Oleksiewicz / FIDE