Hans Moke Niemann explained why he didn’t participate in the Naroditsky Memorial 2026. Niemann cites a busy tournament schedule, and says he needs more time to rest between events.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“The reason I didn’t play the Naroditsky Memorial was because I just competed in Hong Kong and my next tournament is in India in about a week.

I was very tired after Hong Kong and I decided that it wasn’t a good idea to travel 20 hours from Hong Kong to Charlotte and then only have a few days to acclimate and then another 20-25 hour flight to Chennai. So that’s why I didn’t play. I definitely hope to play future editions and I’ll obviously watch the tournament very closely.

There are many players from Hong Kong there, but I’ve been on the road and traveling for so long that I really needed a break. Especially since I’m spending most of this year on the road with so many tournaments.

After this I’m playing in India. And then from India I’ll have about three weeks until the Esports World Cup which is a huge event. And then after the Esports World Cup there’s the Olympiad. I’m looking forward to Olympiad also being board three. I think I should play the majority of the games.

And then immediately after Olympiad the US Championship, and then after the US Championship the Total Chess Championship pilot event, and then the World Rapid and Blitz.

Some busy schedule this year.”

Hans Moke Niemann played in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Chess Championships 2026 from June 17 to 21. His team Endgame.Ai finished 2nd in the Blitz part and 6th in the Rapid part. Hans will play in the Chennai Grand Masters 2026 from July 16 to 22. He qualified for the Esports World Cup 2026 and will play at the event from August 11 to 15. From September 15 to 28, Niemann will play at the Chess Olympiad as part of team USA.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE