The world’s top chess player, Magnus Carlsen, has announced his return to a major chess competition following the International Chess Federation’s decision to relax its dress code. Carlsen had previously withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, where he was defending his title, after being informed that wearing jeans was against the tournament’s dress regulations.
In a significant update, FIDE now permits “elegant minor deviations” from the official dress code, allowing players to wear appropriate jeans that match their jackets. This change comes after Carlsen was fined $200 for violating the dress code. The renowned grandmaster indicated that he had worn jeans after a lunch meeting and did not consider changing his attire before heading to the tournament. Despite playing several rounds in a shirt, blazer, and jeans, Carlsen was told he needed to adhere to the dress code immediately, a request he declined.
“I’ll probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer than here,” Carlsen stated after his initial withdrawal. However, with the updated dress code, he confirmed his participation in the competition, stating confidently, “Oh, I am definitely playing in jeans tomorrow.”
FIDE president Arkadi Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism while allowing some flexibility. He expressed hope that players would not “undermine the festive mood” during the New Year’s Eve tournament with casual interpretations of the relaxed dress code.
Carlsen, who became a grandmaster at just 13, has remained a polarizing figure in the chess community, especially following a recent legal dispute. In 2022, he accused American chess prodigy Hans Niemann of cheating after a surprising defeat. This accusation led to a $100 million defamation lawsuit filed by Niemann, which was ultimately settled out of court, with Carlsen acknowledging that Niemann had not cheated.
As the chess world prepares for the ongoing competition, all eyes will be on Carlsen, who continues to make headlines both on and off the board.
