DrLupo has admitted to cheating in a recent online chess tournament that featured a $100,000 prize pool and a charitable component. The high-profile streamer confessed during a livestream that he used a chess engine to make decisions during his games, following initial denials and mounting evidence against him.
DrLupo has been closed for a fair play violation that occured during today’s Pogchamps event. He will be replaced in the consolation bracket before the start of tomorrow’s round.
— Chess.com (@chesscom) May 1, 2025
We wish everyone the best tomorrow and remind them that receiving any help during a match is a…
The controversy began when viewers and chess enthusiasts noticed the uncanny accuracy of DrLupo’s moves during the tournament. His gameplay displayed a level of precision typically associated with chess engines—sophisticated software that calculates optimal moves—rather than human players, especially given his previously demonstrated chess abilities.
When first confronted with cheating allegations, DrLupo denied using any external assistance beyond watching broadcasts and following viewer suggestions. However, as community members began comparing his moves to those recommended by chess engines and identifying inconsistencies in his explanations, the pressure mounted.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, DrLupo finally came clean at the start of a recent stream. He spent approximately ten minutes delivering a full confession and apology, acknowledging both the cheating itself and his dishonesty in initially denying it.
“He spent about 10 minutes on a full confession, apology, etc.,” noted one viewer who watched the confession happen live.
After that, DrLupo voluntarily withdrew from the tournament. The use of chess engines is strictly prohibited in competitive play, as they provide players with superhuman analysis capabilities that completely undermine fair competition.
This isn’t the first time DrLupo has faced cheating allegations. Some community members pointed to past controversies, including claims he used a Xim4 device in Destiny 1, which he similarly denied until evidence mounted. Others mentioned “sussy clips” from his Escape from Tarkov gameplay, though these allegations lack concrete proof.
What happened is pretty surprising given DrLupo’s public persona and charitable work. Ben Lupo has built his reputation not only as a skilled gamer but also as a significant fundraiser for causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2021, he signed a multi-million-dollar exclusive contract with YouTube Gaming after leaving Twitch.
Community reaction has been divided, with some fans expressing disappointment at the breach of trust, while others suggest his charitable contributions should factor into how the situation is viewed. The tournament organizers have not issued any official statement beyond acknowledging DrLupo’s withdrawal.
