What are the anti-cheating measures at FIDE Candidates 2026 that triggered debate among top players

The ongoing 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament in Cyprus has stirred a controversy over anti-cheating measures, with top players left to argue over the strict protocols. American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura recently expressed frustration over the intense security, saying it feels like "Mossad agents in Iran."

Meanwhile, Nakamura's compatriot Hans Niemann has taken a shot at him for his complaints, saying they are hypocritical in nature. Niemann highlighted how Nakamura had accused several players of cheating in the past without providing any evidence, and is now opposing the strict measures himself.

Anti-cheating measures at FIDE Candidates explained

The security measures, designed to prevent cheating in this crucial World Chess Championship qualifier, are among the most rigorous ever seen at a chess tournament. Players are scanned electronically before and after each game, and specialised devices are used to detect any hidden electronics.

There are metal detectors, signal interception systems, and arbiter, constantly monitoring every move at the tournament. Meanwhile, cameras cover the playing area from multiple angles. Meanwhile, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky has even said that the physical checks criticised by Nakamura have been in place since the 2024 event.

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"We find tight anti-cheating measures essential. What’s more, the sentiment is shared by the vast majority of players. At the same time, physical check-ups for players hardly changed since Toronto, and ​it is not that there ​is any noticeable difference ⁠for players," Sutovsky told Reuters.

"No other participant complained about it – and that’s for a good reason: all the extra measures control and intercept signals, whilst not demanding players ​to be additionally searched," he added.

What did Nakamura say?

"I think it’s all ⁠complete nonsense. I am just going to be honest… they scan ​us before the games, they scan us after the game. They have the metal detectors, they have the separate ​scanners, I mean… I feel like what are we all? Mossad agents inside Iran or something. Come on, we are chess players, let’s be real, seriously, let’s be real," Nakamura said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, the US player has not won a single game in the eight-player tournament so far. He even suffered a defeat against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov, who is currently leading the table after eight rounds with 5.5 points. Nakamura is in fifth place with 2 points. Fabiano Caruana and R Praggnanandhaa are in second and third spots, respectively.