Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen quits championship over jeans controversy

Norwegian 34-year-old chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen abruptly withdrew from the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships following a dispute over dress code regulations.

The controversy began when officials at the New York tournament informed Carlsen that his attire, which included jeans, did not meet the event’s dress code. Carlsen, who had been defending his titles, offered to change trousers the following day but was told he needed to comply immediately.

In response, Carlsen refused to continue, saying, "It became a bit of a matter of principle for me." He added, "Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much," expressing frustration over the incident.

“I am pretty tired of FIDE, so I want no more of this. I don’t want anything to do with them. I am sorry to everyone at home, maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s any fun,” Carlsen told Norwegian news broadcaster NRK.

“They can enforce their rules. That’s fine by me," he continued. "And my response is that fine, then I’m out. Like, f**k you. I don’t think anything more has to be said,” he declared.

FIDE, the International Chess Federation, defended its decision, stating that the dress code aims to "ensure fairness and professionalism for all participants." The organization fined Carlsen USD 200 for the violation and cited another instance where a player was penalized for inappropriate footwear but chose to comply.

Carlsen’s attire—a shirt, blazer, dark jeans, and dress shoes—had been worn to a lunch meeting earlier that day. He admitted he "didn't even think about" changing before heading to the tournament.

In response to the controversy, Carlsen took to X and posted a picture captioned "[Outfit of the day]", poking fun at the whole situation. 

OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024

Known for his bold personality, the grandmaster has often been at the center of chess controversies. Carlsen, who became a grandmaster at just 13, remains the world’s top-ranked player and a five-time World Chess Champion.