Title: DrLupo Admits to Cheating in PogChamps 6 Chess Competition

In an unexpected and disheartening development, well-known Twitch streamer and internet figure DrLupo has openly admitted to cheating during the PogChamps 6 chess competition organized by Chess.com. The admission, made on May 2, 2025, follows his removal from the tournament just days earlier amid escalating doubts and allegations from fans and the wider chess community.

What Is PogChamps?

PogChamps is a yearly online chess tournament curated by Chess.com that includes internet personalities, Twitch streamers, and content creators competing in a fun yet competitive setting. Over the years, the tournament has gained tremendous popularity, boasting a significant prize pool—$100,000 for PogChamps 6—and attracting millions of viewers.

DrLupo, a prominent streamer with a substantial following, participated in the tournament as a 650-rated player. He faced off against YouTuber Wolfe ‘Wolfey’ Glick, who possesses a considerably higher rating of 1340. Their match took place on April 30 and quickly sparked controversy.

The Suspicious Match

During the contest, viewers observed a striking change in DrLupo’s gameplay. After making an initial mistake by not protecting his queen, his performance suddenly escalated to an almost professional standard. Fans tuning into the live stream noted that DrLupo seemed to be frequently glancing off-screen, prompting suspicions that he might be utilizing a chess engine or guide on a secondary monitor.

Social media buzzed with conjecture. One user, BCHpizza_org, remarked, “Bro if this was paintball you’d show up completely covered in paint and claim you did not cheat. It’s THAT obvious to anybody playing chess.” Despite the growing evidence, DrLupo initially refuted the claims, asserting on X (formerly Twitter), “Didn’t cheat. Had a good game and got rolled the rest of the day.”

Chess.com Responds

Shortly after the match concluded, Chess.com released a statement confirming that DrLupo was disqualified from the tournament for violating fair play regulations. “DrLupo has been closed for a fair play violation that occurred during today’s Pogchamps event,” the organization tweeted on X. “He will be replaced in the consolation bracket before the start of tomorrow’s round.”

DrLupo, however, portrayed his withdrawal differently, saying, “Had a ton of fun playing, but have decided to drop out of the event to help maintain competitive integrity for those involved, as well as the tourney organizers.”

The Confession

On May 2, DrLupo posted a sincere confession on his official X account, admitting to cheating and deceiving his fans, fellow players, and the tournament organizers. “I screwed up big time,” he wrote. “The internet has been right basically since the beginning, and it’s taken me multiple waves of self-reflection and internal fighting to get to the point where I can fully admit fault without holding back.”

In his apology, DrLupo recognized the contradiction of his actions, especially considering his previous criticism of cheaters in games like Escape From Tarkov. “I cheated, and betrayed the trust of countless people that believed in me. Viewers, family, friends. Everyone. Myself.”

He also directly apologized to Daniel Rensch, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, and to his opponent Wolfe Glick, stating that he had used Glick “as a prop on stream” and that he had reached out to him personally to express his regret.

Community Reaction

As of this writing, neither Daniel Rensch nor Wolfe Glick has publicly addressed DrLupo’s admission. The chess and streaming communities have shown a blend of disappointment and appreciation for the transparency in his apology.

While some fans have praised DrLupo for eventually confessing, others criticize the initial denials and the impact on the integrity of the tournament.

What Happens Next?

DrLupo’s confession represents a significant moment at the crossroads of online gaming, streaming, and competitive chess. It acts as a cautionary reminder about the stress of performance and the repercussions of compromising fair play.

Chess.com has yet to announce any further disciplinary actions beyond his removal from PogChamps 6. It remains uncertain how this incident will influence DrLupo’s career and reputation going forward.

Conclusion

The PogChamps series has successfully introduced chess to a wider audience by fusing entertainment with competition. However, the integrity of the game is of utmost importance. DrLupo’s acknowledgment of guilt reinforces the significance of fair play and the trust entrusted to public figures by their communities. While the confession may aid in restoring that trust, the event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the legacy of PogChamps and the online chess landscape.