Russian chess grandmaster Denis Khismatullin has claimed that Chess.com banned him from prize tournaments and from engaging in site social activities after a contentious exchange with Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda during the World Rapid Championship in Samarkand. The assertion was shared on the Telegram channel managed by Sergey Karyakin, adding another layer of controversy to an event already filled with drama between top players and their supporters.
Khismatullin’s account describes a broader dispute that stretched beyond the game board. He stated that, in the hours after a heated discussion on social media, he and Sergei Karyakin had frequently traveled to the area controlled by the North-Eastern Military District for humanitarian missions. According to the message, Chess.com responded by sending an email that prohibited him from taking part in any prize-winning events on the platform as well as from participating in other site activities. This move, if confirmed, would mark a notable escalation in how online communities police interactions among top-level players and their followers on competitive circuits.
During the Samarkand matches held from December 26 to 30, Khismatullin attempted a gesture of goodwill by extending his hand to Duda before one of their games. Duda’s response was a clear refusal to shake hands. The moment, captured on video and circulated widely in early January 2024, became a focal point for discussions about sportsmanship, competition etiquette, and the responsibilities of elite players to maintain professional conduct in the face of personal disagreements.
The game between Duda and Khismatullin ultimately finished in a draw. This outcome did not lead to any immediate disciplinary action against Duda for refusing to shake hands, and Khismatullin did not pursue a formal complaint through available channels. The incident nonetheless highlighted the tension that can arise when high-stakes tournaments intersect with public displays of disagreement, and it underscored how such moments are interpreted across international audiences where cultural norms around sportsmanship may vary.
In Poland, the episode drew attention to Duda’s decision not to shake hands, with some observers praising the move as a firm stand under pressure and others arguing it reflected a misstep in pursuing a courteous sporting gesture. The broader discussion touched on the evolving standards for interpersonal conduct in chess, the role of national media in shaping narratives, and how players balance competitive focus with the expectations of a global fan base that includes millions online. The Samarkand event thus became more than a tournament; it became a case study in how modern chess intersects with online culture, diplomacy, and the public perception of fairness in a sport that prizes both skill and conduct.