The first day of the Hans vs. Nepo 2026 match has concluded. In two Classical games, Ian Nepomniachtchi scored 1 win and 1 draw to lead the tournament.

Nepo gained +5.4 rating points and moved up to 15th place in the world live ratings. Ian surpassed reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju at 20th place, and moved Hans Moke Niemann to 17th place.

The current standings are:

Place Player Score Elo
1. 🇷🇺 GM Ian Nepomniachtchi 1.5 2737.9 (+5.4)
2. 🇺🇸 GM Hans Moke Niemann 0.5 2736.6 (+5.4)

Exhibition match between American GM Hans Moke Niemann and Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi takes place from May 29 to June 1 in Belgrade, Serbia. The match features a 60+30 Classical time control. Niemann’s offer for the event is $100,000, where $50,000 will be donated to charity.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE