Magnus Carlsen, the reigning champion of chess, is making headlines as he returns to the World Rapid and Blitz Championships after a dress code controversy. During the tournament in New York, Carlsen had to withdraw when told jeans were unacceptable apparel for players.
After his departure, the International Chess Federation (Fide) responded to the situation by adjusting its dress code to allow for "elegant minor deviations," which now includes stylish jeans. Carlsen stated he will continue playing in denim during the competition starting Monday, showcasing his laid-back approach.
The incident began when Carlsen, dressed in jeans for a lunch meeting, didn’t switch into different pants before the tournament began. Although he initially complied with tournament attire by wearing a blazer and shirt, he was later informed that jeans were against the rules.
Feeling unfairly treated, Carlsen opted to leave rather than comply immediately, remarking he would seek warmer locales. Fide president Arkadi Dvorkovitch announced the refined dress code, which emphasizes both professionalism and individual expression.
Carlsen is no stranger to controversy; he previously settled a high-profile cheating dispute with American player Hans Niemann. The chess world eagerly awaits to see how this newfound dress flexibility impacts future tournaments.
