“Dress code violated”: Magnus Carlsen appeared in jeans at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. At the world association FIDE they didn’t find it funny. But Carlsen didn’t like to change.
On matchday on Friday (local time, December 27th, 2024), Magnus Carlsen, 34, was the defending champion. There was just one problem: He came in jeans – and they are not at all welcome in chess.
“Mr. Magnus Carlsen violated the dress code by wearing jeans, which are expressly prohibited for this event under long-standing regulations,” said the world association FIDE. “These rules have been in place for years and are known to all participants and communicated to them before each event.”
Quite a bit of a fuss over a pair of pants
So it happened that after his second game of the day, Carlsen received a fine of $200 from the organizer and a clear message: The jeans have to go! The Norwegian didn’t want to change. Therefore he was disqualified for the next round.
Carlsen then rejected a possible continuation of the tournament in the remaining rounds. He said he wouldn’t continue playing anymore “Question of Principle”. Instead he will travel there, “where the weather is a little better than here”said Carlsen.