Hans Niemann Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Chess Titles, Career, Controversy
Hans Moke Niemann also known as Hans Niemann is a prominent American chess grandmaster and Twitch streamer, known for his dynamic playing style and rapid rise in the chess world.
Despite controversies, his achievements in major tournaments and growing online presence have solidified his status as a leading figure among the new generation of chess talents.
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Profile
- Full Name: Hans Moke Niemann
- Stage Name: Hans Niemann
- Born: June 20, 2003
- Age: 22 years old
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Chess Grandmaster, Twitch Streamer, YouTuber
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Niemann
- Siblings: One
- Spouse: None
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $2 million USD
Early Life and Education
Hans Niemann was born on June 20, 2003, in San Francisco, California, to Mr. and Mrs. Niemann, both IT managers of Danish and Hawaiian descent.
At age seven, he moved with his family to Utrecht, Netherlands, where he attended the Leonardoschool for gifted children and began playing chess at eight.
Returning to the United States, he studied at Top of the World Primary School in Laguna Beach, California, Del Rey Elementary School in Orinda, California, Weston High School in Connecticut, and Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in New York City, graduating in 2019.
Career
Hans Niemann started his chess journey in 2012, qualifying for the Dutch National Youth Chess Championship.
In 2014, he became the youngest winner of the Tuesday Night Marathon at the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Club, earning the USCF master title.
He achieved the FIDE Master title in 2016, International Master in 2018, and Grandmaster in 2021, reaching a peak FIDE rating of 2736 in April 2025 and a global ranking of No. 16 in September 2024.
Notable victories include the 2021 World Open in Philadelphia, the 2021 U.S. Junior Championship, and the 2023 Tournament of Peace in Zagreb, where he scored 8/9 with a 2946 performance rating.
He tied for first in the 2016 North American Youth Championship (U18) and won the 2017 SuperNationals VI (K–8) and 2018 National K-12 Blitz Championship.
In 2022, his win over Magnus Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup sparked controversy, with Carlsen’s withdrawal leading to cheating allegations.
Niemann admitted to cheating in online games at ages 12 and 16 but denied over-the-board cheating.
A Chess.com report identified over 100 online games where he “likely cheated,” leading to a temporary ban, resolved in a 2023 settlement.
Recent highlights include winning the 2024 GRENKE Open, 2024 Las Vegas Super Swiss, and a 2025 showmatch against Anish Giri in the “Hans Niemann against the World” series.
He reached the semifinals of the 2024 Speed Chess Championship, defeating Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Wesley So but losing to Carlsen and Nakamura.
Niemann’s Twitch and YouTube channels, under the handle “Hannibal,” have over 100,000 followers each, boosted by his aggressive style and detailed game analyses.
Awards and Nominations
- 2016: North American Youth Championship U18, Tied for First Place.
- 2017: SuperNationals VI, First Place (K–8 section).
- 2018: National K-12 Blitz Championship, First Place (12/12).
- 2019: Foxwoods Open Blitz, First Place (10/10).
- 2021: World Open, First Place; U.S. Junior Championship, First Place.
- 2023: Tournament of Peace (Zagreb), First Place (8/9).
- 2024: GRENKE Open, First Place; Las Vegas Super Swiss, First Place.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @hans_niemann
- Facebook Handle: Hans Niemann
- Twitter Handle: @HansMokeNiemann
- YouTube Channel: Hans Niemann
- TikTok Handle: @hans_niemann
Personal Life
Hans Niemann, 22, is single with no children.
He resides primarily in the United States but has spent time in Europe for tournaments, including recent matches in London and Paris.
Known for his nickname “Hannibal” due to his aggressive playing style, he enjoys streaming chess and games like Chess960, engaging fans with his candid personality.
Niemann is fluent in English and Spanish and advocates for fair play in chess.
His resilience, shaped by early financial independence and overcoming 2022 cheating allegations, defines his public persona.
He mentors young players and promotes chess education through his streams.
Net Worth
Hans Niemann has an estimated net worth of $2 million USD.
His income includes tournament winnings, such as $140,000 from the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam (2nd place), $30,000 from the 2024 Hans Niemann against the World #1, and $19,750 from the 2022 Sinquefield Cup.
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