Five-time world chess champion quits event after refusing to change out of jeans
World chess champion Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of a pair of jeans, a direct violation of the International Chess Federation’s rules.
World chess champion Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of a pair of jeans, a direct violation of the International Chess Federation’s rules.
FIDE said Carlsen, a five-time world chess champion and seven-time world blitz chess champion, breached long-standing regulations for the event. Carlsen, 34, was notified of the breach, issued a $200 fine and asked to change his clothes.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen declined, and as a result, he was not paired for round nine,” the organization said in a post on X, adding that the dress code is “designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”
“These rules have been in place for years and are well-known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event,” the organization continued. “FIDE has also ensured that the players’ accommodation is within a short walking distance from the playing venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient.”
Carlsen told chess YouTube channel Take Take Take that before the event, he had a lunch meeting and “barely had time to go to the room [to] change.”
Rating: 5