Magnus Carlsen, the world's number one chess player, will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York after initially withdrawing because he refused to change out of his jeans.
The 34-year-old withdrew from the World Rapid Championships on Friday after violating the dress code and choosing not to change his attire.
However, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Sunday that Carlsen would be returning to the World Blitz Championship. The group's president, Arkady Dvorkovich, confirmed that the official dress code would remain in place but would be relaxed to accommodate “elegant and minor deviations.”
A post on Carlsen's X account read, “Yeah, I'll definitely be playing in jeans tomorrow.”
“I'm going to play at least one more day here in New York and then hopefully one more day after that,” the Norwegian told Take, Take, Take.
Why did Carlsen withdraw?
FIDE deemed Carlsen in violation of the dress code for the World Rapid Chess Championship and Blitz Chess Championship by wearing jeans on Friday.
He was initially fined $200 and asked to change, but he refused and was subsequently not paired for the ninth round of the World Rapid Championship.
Carlsen claimed he wore jeans to the meeting but had “no idea” about changing into different pants for the tournament. He said he requested a change for the next day but was not accepted.
“We had a nice lunch meeting before coming here. I didn't have much time to go to my room and change, so I just put on my shirt and jacket, didn't even think about jeans, and even changed my shoes.” He said take, take, take.
“I was warned that if I didn't change, I wouldn't be paired up. I was told I could go after the third round today. I said I'd change it tomorrow if I wanted. They told me I had to change now. At that point, it became a bit of a matter of principle for me.
Carlsen (Henry Nichols/AFP via Getty Images)
He then said he had no intention of returning to defend his title at the World Blitz Championship, which begins on Monday.
“We'll probably head somewhere where the weather is a little bit nicer than here,” he added. “I don't know what needs to change for that to happen, but no (I won't play in the Blitz).”
Carlsen continued: My response is, that's fine, I'm out now, asshole. ”
OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024
Karlsson was the defending rapid champion, but was trailing the leaders at the time of his withdrawal.
Russian grandmaster Volodar Murzin, 18, ultimately won the tournament, becoming the second-youngest world rapid champion in history.
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Why does chess have a dress code?
FIDE says the tournament's regulations, including the dress code, are “designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.”
FIDA regulations for the 2024 Rapid and Blitz Championship state: “Athletes wearing T-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, baseball caps, or other inappropriate clothing will not be allowed to enter the competition area. National costume. If you wish to wear traditional clothing, your FIDE supervisor will approve it.
Players are allowed to wear: “dark-colored trousers, long-sleeved, light-colored (white, light blue, beige, brown, etc.), blue or black shirts, in each case of a solid color.” with buttons. Dark-colored jackets, waistcoats, or cardigans: black, navy, grey, beige, brown, all solid colors. Jackets, waistcoats, and cardigans may be removed during play. Ties are not compulsory. ”
All participating players, FIDE staff, officials, and representatives must adhere to the dress code policy.
The first violation of the rules will result in a fine and the sanctioned player will be allowed to play in the current round, but a second violation will result in him being removed from the draw for the next round.
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Has anyone else broken dress code regulations?
On Friday, Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniatchi was also fined for violating the dress code by wearing sports shoes. However, he continued to participate in tournaments wearing “approved attire.”
How was Carlsen's situation resolved?
Carlsen said on Sunday that he had “fruitful discussions” with FIDE President Dvorkovic.
“I love playing blitz,” he said with Take, Take, Take. “I want to give the fans a chance to see this…For now, I'm here, but I think there have been some changes in the rules. In principle, tomorrow I will definitely play in jeans.”
“We sincerely regret that this situation escalated without a solution being reached in time by both sides to prevent Magnus' withdrawal,” Dvorković said in a statement.
He said Carlsen's concerns “highlight the need for further discussion about how to modernize current approaches to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess.” There is,” he added.
Dvorkovic explained that the World Blitz Championship will have a flexible approach to dress code.
“I have made the decision to experiment with an approach to give FIDE officials more flexibility in determining the suitability of clothing,” he continued. “If any doubts arise, the Special Assistant will be asked to assist in these determinations and make a final conclusion.
“The principle is simple: it is necessary to follow the official dress code, but some elegant deviations (especially suitable jeans with a jacket) are tolerated.” After all, it is New Year's time and , we sincerely hope that no one tries to spoil the festive atmosphere by taking advantage of this additional flexibility. ”
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(Divyansh Sarkar/AFP via Getty Images)
