Playing Hikaru for #1

[@faek3717]

Playing some hero-themed music, like Hans fighting an evil villain 😂😂

[@gamerxplus7203]

These two have history

[@mixchief]

Strange given they’re countrymen

[@B3tabyt3]

​@@mixchief may I ask what country you are from.

[@psynergy007]

Hans is a hero tho

[@danieldbdb]

And he did

[@realestedm1636]

Love the honest reflection, "gotta get better nerves gotta get better can't be greedy"... no excuses, mindset of a future champ

[@mhshowrov]

future first American world champion 😂

[@DarknessHunter86]

Except all the other excuses he gave...

[@jmattcg]

@@mhshowrov Bobby Fischer is the first American World Champion...

[@mhshowrov]

@ tell him not me 🤣

[@duartevader2709]

@DarknessHunter86 I only saw sportsmanship, he even congratelated Hikaru, the guy who's brainwashed so many people into hating him and almost ended his career thru false allegations

[@Goo_Gle.]

The fact that this dude used a couple Levi videos to break through the algo and worm his way into my feed, you've gotta give the man his flowers. He might leave a bad taste in people's mouth but he definitely does not miss when a chance is given to him.

[@travissorenson9554]

I like Hans, but you’re right. Those Gotham Chess videos attracted the most views and now he has a Hikaru video. He may be attracting a lot of new viewers

[@aria2628-m2t]

hans doesn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. magnus does. magnus strikes me as the genius who was just given it all and and never earned anything and feels like a king and acts like one.

[@sanjayvaradharajan]

@@aria2628-m2t yeah hans has risen up completely using his skill at reading vibrating beads

[@WWEditz22]

@@aria2628-m2tLol what 😂

[@SchwarzFell-r7x]

Stfu magnus and hikaru are sith lords. Hans very good

[@arrogant8295]

Respect for uploading loss, Hikaru does that very rarely, he didn't even upload when Lazavik completely anihilated him.

[@AbolurinAzeez]

Lol 😆

[@adarsh2195]

he uploads his loss more than anyone , not be a bitch like hans after losing

[@darthrevan6861]

Probably because he doesn't need Lazavik's name to get the views anyways

[@StrategicSpoon]

The fact that he could have won TT by accepting draw but instead he chose to keep fighting and lose by 0.5 pt shows his fighting spirit

[@ErykKrzeminski]

or his inflated ego and lack of self awareness

[@Backup-to7re]

@ErykKrzeminskiwe always have to bring negativity 😈

[@BlazingTorch-ow6qj]

True, but actually winning the tournament is a better thing to do! 😉

[@BlazingTorch-ow6qj]

​@ErykKrzeminskiHe is still young, the self awareness will happen with time. Inflated ego deflates fast when you gain more experiecuuû-):b

[@BlazingTorch-ow6qj]

Experience! Lol- screwing up deflates egos quickly - right??!

[@duartevader2709]

Massive respect for uploading this loss

[@md.shahiduttarif2831]

Massive? You know what else is massive?

[@MohannadAZ]

@@md.shahiduttarif2831 hikaru asshole?

[@justin9494]

@@md.shahiduttarif2831 low

[@rikxdragneel5290]

@@md.shahiduttarif2831 definitely not your prick

[@kyro5241]

@@md.shahiduttarif2831 looooowwww taperrrrr fadeeeeee

[@schmoke.]

Each time they meet it gets harder and harder for Hikaru to win, keep improving Hans, it's only a matter of time.

[@seth7764]

Idk if u would count title Tuesday. It is kind of it's own thing. Tournament play is where we care and the last they really played was the speed chess championship and that was when I realized how massive of a gap there was between Hans and Hikaru. No hate on Hans, top 20 player in the world. But the gap between the top 6 players and him is a mountain right now

[@ChristopherBitti]

@@seth7764 Hikaru didn't even qualify for the knockouts at the world blitz championship lol. Evidence that when Hikaru plays Hans he gets in his head due to the past but when they're put up against a broad pool of players Hans is more consistent.

[@seth7764]

@ChristopherBitti whoa...Hans is definitely not more consistent than the number 2/3 ranked player in the world. That's a little outlandish

[@ChristopherBitti]

@@seth7764 Hikaru barely plays classical anymore. He's sitting on his rating/ranking.

[@seth7764]

@ChristopherBitti but still top 3, also top 3 in blitz that he plays and top 10 in rapid averaging 50+ ranks above Hans. Hans is great, I am just saying the gap between him and Hikaru is very big in they are not even in the same ball park currently. Again the last time we really got to see them against eachother in a way that matters was the speed chess championship where we saw the gap on display. All the top players before the match even pointed out "he just isn't at the level of the top players". All we care about at all in chess is when it matters in the big events 1 on 1 and it just isn't there

[@KrumovBobby]

With Hikaru getting older and Hans getting better the day will come when Hans Niemen is better... but today was not that day... Great effort, great game. Road to WCC is on! Great mindset, even in defeat, that's what you love to see!

[@Skygames3-hhh]

🎉

[@meerbakhtiar3426]

You cant compare hikaru at his late 30s to hans at his early 20s Still this old man is far better than the future world champ

[@Skygames3-hhh]

@@meerbakhtiar3426 mindset is everything!! How is it possible You still don't know that psycological aspect is crucial to become a GM???

[@galcomanwolf]

​@meerbakhtiar3426 37 is not old, and if hikaru was never world champion Hans certainly won't be, not while Pragg and Gukesh are around

[@ropotirastas1290]

Im Hans fan but this narrative getting ahead of guy when he is uncle age is ridiculous.

[@kadenmaguglin392]

Always go for the win. You weren’t being greedy, you were playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

[@SenneMeuleman]

Some of his moves in the time scramble where insane

[@epo-mma]

Admirable that you always play for a win, even in such a tense game. You'll have many chances to get this one back

[@xerofire]

My Hans respect been going up and my Hikaru respect been going down as of late I’m ngl

[@AndiEliot]

ok, it is clear to me now, let's start the procedure

[@d1tweaker]

Good decision

[@thegorn]

This what I do. And block.

[@Space_Ache]

I went from hating Hans to loving Hans to hating Hans to now respecting Hans. I am truly starting to believe he is the chosen one (to help Levi become GM).

[@Thoth-of-Atlantis]

Levy

[@lucasowen9990]

Great game Hans! So much kinetic and potential energy!! I love how you are graciously handling the losses and will continue to ascend!!! I believe in you bro

[@epicchess2021]

'the clownfish becomes the shark' 🤣🤣 Great game well played

[@Colby_0-3_IRL_and_title_fights]

Stay greedy, Hans. You're the only player who fights for a win in every position. The rest of these guys are happy to make draws to avoid risk even in low stakes online tournaments.

[@meerbakhtiar3426]

The other players fight for a draw and ends up winning but hans fight for a win and ends up losing😂

[@Tony22715]

I agree... you learn when you fight on. It'll make him better in the long run.

[@LizZard1988]

Hikaru needed a win in this game too to win titled Tuesday, and he was playing for one.

[@reav3rtm]

Arjun also is that guy and look at him now.

[@bleakflouw930]

I like this new version of Hans. He seems focused, way less passive aggressively crazy and more humble. An absolutely playing like a machine. Way to go Hans! I

[@waynzignordics]

Watching Hikaru's reaction during this match, it's clear Hans had him against the wall. Tough break at the end.

[@cru-mbs3640]

You're quickly becoming my favorite player. This adversary arc is awesome.

[@ArsMoriendiSynthPop]

Overcoming the Hikaru Complex is part of the redemption arc, let it run its course 😂

[@longasora]

You can say whatever you want about hans, he is cool and i love him

[@playlistsubs]

Still not sure if supervillain or antihero, but damn, I like this guy more and more!

[@tim.martin]

Supervillain was magnus all-along

[@stuartdalrymple]

Hes not the hero we wanted, but the hero we needed

[@dvoslb1974]

Hans has infinite aura

[@DanielWrennall]

for what exactly?

[@dvoslb1974]

@ beating gms that used to farm him

[@mbrayearth3557]

Love that you post this even though you lost, keep going 💪💪

[@saisasori1073]

Hans the future champ, iam subscribed to your channel after the levi interview, iam a huge anti hero fan and i believe you will become the future champ, good luck brotha..

[@pawn.chessvn]

Love to see you grow more Hans !!!!

[@peterf90]

Nothing to be ashamed of there. What a player, sacked the rook for a knight just full of the fighting spirit and what a beast when low on time with a mere 2 or 3 seconds on the clock playing against one of the best blitz player on the planet. You go Hans, looking good!

[@jewelfewel]

Hans you're blowing UP so much love and respect

[@kinglblade6379]

GGs Hans, you’re much more likeable than the narrative tells. Get them next time champ

[@letssaydinesh6622]

in every game there should be a brilliant antagonist like hans to make it beautiful.

[@socio637]

yeah I think people take it too seriously. He's just being entertaining

[@r3dpilgrim439]

I like the good sportsmanship

[@delyvisana]

Good game. I like your honest reflection an good showmanship. Something too often lacking in Chess.

[@timbrownrigg5217]

Another time scramble with the worlds fastest. Tough break... almost had him.. but was Hans very resourceful and resiliant .

[@kirillv8162]

Proud of you, Hans. Hikaru does not have balls to upload losses

[@theautomatedera]

Great match! You’re reaching new heights, see a world champion in the making…

[@ui22710]

1:23 that a4 move was so dramatic with the timing of the music

[@lootsk4210]

😭

[@JoseRivera0001-p2g]

I was before a guy who thought he was genuinely cheating on the board. But now idk what to say man, im a big magnus fan but hans grown a spot for me, and it wasnt forced or anything but it just makes the chess competitive scene more fun to watch like 2 guys having genuine beef. I like this new phase of chess. Cheater or not, idk, but i enjoy watching both sides of the group.

[@rawnclark]

He made a mistake as a teenager man. Hans is legitimately a top 20 chess player.

[@shrekislove1509]

Old Hans would've freaked out. New Hans just moves on.

[@bubu_09-15]

HANS DID NOT CHEAT.

[@nimitsharma4476]

he did

[@rionelbenitez2766]

He did... but online only, when he's a kid... as he said...

[@cielush1848]

@@nimitsharma4476 just because your sister cheated on you with papa... dont reflect, use BetterHelp today and save yourself a lifelong suffering! :) cheers good luck, oh boy you're gonna need it

[@henkdachief]

turns out the one using the anal beads was actually elon himself while cheating in some fantasy game

[@gokulhemanthkumar4556]

​@@rionelbenitez2766 You very well know the comment referred to the Magnus incident, and yet you decided to write this. How does it feel to have written an absolutely pointless comment, with zero value to anybody?

[@RaffiRex]

Hey Hans! I really enjoy your content, and I think you're doing an awesome job. Just a small suggestion: the background music could be a bit less distracting, as it sometimes takes away from the message. Also, adding a more dynamic background could make your videos even more engaging-maybe something that complements the vibe rather than just the plain wall. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to more videos!

[@non-blogger]

Cant wait to see you become World Chess Champion. I swear I truly see it in your future. I believe in Hans.

[@edgelamer]

Future world champion.

[@MrEverything7T]

Respect for playing to win, unfortunate to miss the killer blow, but considering the time scramble you did well to give yourself a good chance, next time.

[@RaffiRex]

Hey Hans, just a quick thought! I’ve noticed that other KZbinrs add the Elo bar after the game is over, and I think it really helps viewers-especially those under 1800-understand the significance of each move. It adds an extra layer of context and makes it easier to follow. Just a suggestion! Keep up the fantastic content, I'm learning a lot!

[@Wargasm54]

You could’ve taken the W by drawing. But your fighting spirit is what fuels you. With time you will know precisely when you’ve already won. And save the “fight” for the next opponent.

[@MasterInHD]

Homie really put in a Final Boss theme song. Hans is a character 😭💀

[@tommygarcia3469]

Keep grinding Hans and never look back 💪🏽

[@TimeNap]

Hans has entered the top 5 in the world (imo) and is on the verge of breaking through and taking down some tournaments and TTs.

[@ashwatthama-i6e]

Bro we need you in chess, hope to see you in major tournaments soon.

[@joshlovegood9392]

Can't wait to see you consistently demolish Hikaru in the future. His ego is just too much.

[@_plaha_]

why do you care about someone else's ego?

[@goingoff1ine]

doesnt look like its happening any time soon

[@redeyexxx1841]

Sure sure. He'll consistently demolished Hikaru and Magnus but in your dreams.

[@fabiocruz912]

​@@_plaha_deve ser um puxa saco do Nakamura 😂😂😂

[@zdravkonoev]

You are such a looser. I like both Hikaru and Hans.

[@arjunphaneesh6051]

Never thought id see hans entering the levi arc☠️

[@yousefsaraireh2121]

Everyone is a gangster until the big gangster come -Gotham chess

[@SnowwMaple]

The clown fish becomes the shark was kinda funny

[@Bai_Su_Zhen]

I will be honest, I did think Hans was cheating because of his live analysis where he was completely inaccurate with Antonio and because of his past. But watching him for longer now, in all kinds of chess events, Hans does seem like a legitimately good player deserving of respect, so I'm sorry Hans. Keep owning.

[@Xiferfos]

You as a lot off people believed Hikaru lies

[@kylezo]

That's why Magnus got sued and had to settle for defaming him by publicly accusing him of cheating otb for prize money. Honestly MC should have lost a lot of respect for punching down and lying about a much younger up and coming player as the WC during a critical time in Hans' career. The damage Magnus caused can't really be quantified

[@blizzard2099]

It was very exciting to watch though. And the music was a nice touch !

[@brucehamilton7847]

Love the music. Feels like I'm watching an old Clint Eastwood western.

[@sambarbasa1643]

Hans is the only person Hikaru and Magnus have jitters when they play him

[@markhathaway9456]

Hikaru: stay safe, trade some, play the endgame to win. Counter-strategy: play forcefully early, complicate, don't trade, win middle-game. In this game, Black was safe and had a bit more space, but not real attempt to win the middle-game. Even endgame.

[@bradlygray1974]

Hans vs Pragg 2029 World Title Match

[@JohnKuhles1966]

Playing some greedy-themed music, like Hans fighting an evil villain 😂😂

[@elfri1738]

You can tell its perosnal Hans tears up- These GM's take these types of games super personal it reminds me of when hans played Magnus but in that instant magnus hands was shaking hans is a threat and time will show this.

[@pre-ansi-c-forever]

Came for chess, stayed for the music.

[@willmorepietersen3507]

taking a sip while the cap is still on always happens to me 😄. Love the fact that you played for the win. Love the fact that you post your losses also 👌. Keep making content HSN

[@Anonymous-bc4dl]

I like his reflection in end... but still chess spoke for itself

[@PohonPinuss]

I just see a man who learn from his mistake. Congrats Hans 🎉

[@vintagefalcon3974]

I think it’s important to note, establishing a strong presence(even if it’s negative), Is very fruitful in a lot of competition. It allows him to gather a large audience quickly for better or worse. Leading to more views and opportunities, and money of course. Smart if intentional.

[@superphoenix5469]

Hikaru literally builds a fortress with the pawns😂. What a great match

[@TacticsForEverFoxie]

Well played anyway man! Having those 1 sec decisions on defense was sick!

[@Mj-kl3rb]

Strategically to go further in titled tuesday maybe better to accept draw, but to go further in chess and keep improving and stay a hungry winner then going for it is excellent, dont blame yourself

[@e.g.stokes]

Keep it up, Hans! Rooting for you.

[@kamran6533]

Respect for uploading the loss, this was an amazing game! And Hans is so much more likeable these days!

[@AydaliHazretleri]

There are no excuses; the only option is to keep improving until you defeat them! The grind never ends!!!

[@fdsfdsjghk]

Respect for uploading this painful loss

[@cruzcruz6275]

Im a fan of hikaru but i admire you both bcuz of you and hikaru i enjoyed playing chess now😂😂😂

[@Wargasm54]

The gunslinger/Fallout music 😂

[@RubbermanBallJacobro]

Loving the new arch hans!

[@himanshuagarwal4492]

That music is definitely from a quest in some fantasy world

[@JayVicky007]

I'm glad you posted this despite the fact that you lost. It shows character. Go Hans.

[@relaxingnature6721]

If your feeling down and looking for GM getting dump, I suggest this channel.

[@Thatoneguy-12]

At 6:38 why not rook takes b3?

[@robertrichards4930]

Hans.. the poster boy for the word "tool" :)

[@rin-eri]

DELUSIONAL CONFIDENCE! WIN OR QUIT! (as you said in your levy videos lol)

[@jareddmenard]

I'm nobody, I just came to say you're awesome, Hans.

[@locho41]

10:10 Hans, my boy Mesotherapy now.

[@iwao72]

With this music it's beautiful to watch. More games with music pls!

[@rebeccakehoe3688]

The mad scientist hair speaks for itself

[@saipoosarla2797]

Its funny that Hikaru absolutely despises Hans even now, I think Hans is very similar to young Hikaru in the way they operate and believe they have been antagonized their whole life etc. and use that as motivation

[@Johanevd1106]

Hikaru in the end of his video sais (bye bye hans) xdd

[@scyb3r189]

Hans, if you are not greedy, you’d begin to play like Anish.

[@owl4638]

HANS IS THE TRUE HERO OF THIS STORY.

[@wingthomaux]

Hans is the Hero, Magnus the villain and Hikaru the ugly henchman

[@alrik7172]

You are yet to unlock your full potential Hans🔥💯

[@john50beach18]

Never apologise for going for the win bro. Going for draws is what's wrong with the world

[@MasterInHD]

A draw would've won him the tournament though. This is a Major accomplishment for Hans as he only has 2 Title Tuesday wins in his whole career; meanwhile, that pushed Hikaru to his 85th win overall 3rd of 2025.

[@john50beach18]

@@MasterInHD The mindset of playing not to lose is what makes athletes end up losing everything. You see it in the NFL where players tighten up with a lead and lose, or basketball etc. Fischer hated draws, and personally that seems like the best mentality to have

[@theoracine6398]

you were close! keep it up love from france

[@goldsucc6068]

man that was very cool that you didnt accept draw, what a spirit! the game is what matters, imho it is much better to lose like that than accept draw, may be you didnt win tournament but you won our hearts:3

[@RobertLPetersthe3rd]

If more players had this attitude chess would be more exciting to watch, and chess as a whole would be better for it.

[@greenmoxy]

It's like watching Peter from the Family Guy fight the chicken. Battle to the death GG

[@gokulhemanthkumar4556]

Bro is on the grind. 🗿🍷 Happy to see it.

[@brentwaits954]

hans hans hans.. people like you so much more when you're being a sweet boy. We have seen your evil side, now it's time to be kind. The sudden change was so nice to see, I promise you.

[@Skygames3-hhh]

Oh yeah!!! Hans, well done!! The music awesome! Now, decorate the set up, and become a grand streammer! 😊