The chess world was stirred this past Friday as reigning champion Magnus Carlsen decided to withdraw from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York due to a disagreement over the tournament's dress code. Carlsen was informed that his outfit, which included jeans, violated the regulations and was subsequently fined $200 for the breach.
Carlsen, who has now committed to return to the championship on Monday, revealed that he unintentionally wore jeans after a lunch meeting, having not anticipated the need to change attire for the tournament. Despite previously playing in professional attire consisting of a shirt, blazer, and jeans, Carlsen was told he must change his clothing immediately, a request he rebuffed.
In response to the outcry, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) revised its dress code to permit "elegant minor deviations" from standard formal attire. FIDE President Arkadi Dvorkovich announced on Sunday that appropriate jeans are now acceptable as part of an ensemble matching a jacket.
In a social media post, Carlsen expressed his intention to compete in jeans stating, "Oh, I am definitely playing in jeans tomorrow." This decision reflects a broader push toward modernizing regulations within the competitive chess landscape while retaining an air of professionalism.
The past year has seen Carlsen navigate significant controversies, including a high-profile cheating dispute with American player Hans Niemann. After settling a defamation lawsuit that arose from accusations of cheating during a match, Carlsen is now refocused on the board as he re-enters competitive play amid evolving norms in the chess community.
