Freestyle Chess Paris chief arbiter explains new security measures, claims CIA-level surveillance to detect cheating

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 has implemented strict anti-cheating measures in Paris. The event’s chief arbiter Gerhard Bertagnolli has said that surveillance is “close to CIA-level.” This comes amid speculations over Hans Niemann’s sudden withdrawal from the Paris leg hours after new security measures were revealed.

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 rolled out stringent security protocols ahead of the ongoing Paris leg to ensure there is no cheating in the competition. The event’s chief arbiter Gerhard Bertagnolli recently opened up on the system that has been implemented in the French capital.

In an exclusive interaction with The Indian Express, Bertagnolli talked about the security measures now in place at the Paris leg of the tour. His comments come amid debate around fair play in chess, particularly after Hans Niemann’s sudden withdrawal from the tournament less than 48 hours before the start.

“We have a strict control system. Players pass through airport-style metal scanners at the entrance — no electronic devices are allowed inside. Once cleared, they’re manually tracked by fair play officers. Inside the hall, we use signal detectors to monitor any suspicious activity. With a prize pool exceeding $680,000, we can’t afford lapses in security,” Bertagnolli was quoted as saying.

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