Magnus Carlsen Withdraws From World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York Over Jeans Dispute

Dec 28, 2024, 10:40 PM

Magnus Carlsen, the world's top-ranked chess player, has withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after a dispute over the tournament's dress code. Carlsen was disqualified from the World Rapid Championship for wearing jeans, which violated the International Chess Federation's (FIDE) regulations. Despite being fined $200 and given the opportunity to change his attire, Carlsen refused, leading to his disqualification from the ninth round of the tournament. He also announced his withdrawal from the subsequent World Blitz Championship. Carlsen cited the incident as a 'matter of principle,' expressing his frustration with FIDE's enforcement of the dress code. FIDE stated that the dress code, designed to ensure professionalism and fairness, is well-known to all participants and has been in place for years.