- Magnus Carlsen, world chess champion, quits the World Blitz Chess Championship in New York City.
- He was disqualified after refusing to change out of jeans, which violated event rules.
- The incident highlights Carlsen’s stance on personal principles over dress code.
Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top chess player, made headlines after he quit the World Blitz Chess Championship in New York City over a dress code dispute. The incident, which took place at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) event, highlighted Carlsen’s defiance of event rules concerning attire.
The Dispute
Carlsen arrived at the event on Friday, wearing jeans, which officials stated were “explicitly prohibited” according to the tournament’s dress code. The regulations required participants to wear more formal clothing, and Carlsen, who had just come from a lunch meeting, was informed that he needed to change.
Despite being told he would be fined $200, Carlsen offered to change his clothes for the following day. However, when the offer was rejected, the situation escalated, with Carlsen choosing not to adhere to the dress code. He was disqualified from the tournament’s ninth round, ending his participation.
Carlsen’s Reaction and Public Stance
Rather than appeal the decision, Carlsen posted a photo on social media wearing his jeans, a blazer, and a blue shirt, captioned “OOTD” (outfit of the day). The disqualification became “a matter of principle” for him, as he declined to follow the dress code.
Federation’s Statement and Other Incidents
In response, the FIDE issued a statement clarifying that dress code rules are communicated to participants in advance to maintain professionalism and fairness. The federation also mentioned that the event venue was within walking distance of the players’ accommodations, making adherence to the rules more convenient.
Earlier in the day, another player, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined for wearing sports shoes. He complied with the dress code by changing his shoes, allowing him to continue playing in the tournament.
This is not the first time Carlsen has made headlines for his actions. Previously, he accused Hans Niemann of cheating after losing to him in a tournament, and the two were involved in a high-profile lawsuit. Carlsen’s recent dispute over the dress code adds to his reputation of challenging authority when personal principles are at stake.
