New York: Magnus Carlsen, the former World Chess Champion (2013-2023), will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after initially withdrawing due to a dress code dispute.
Carlsen had quit the tournament after being barred from a round for wearing jeans, which violated the tournament’s dress code regulations.
However, in an interview with the 34-year-old confirmed he would return to the competition.
Carlsen said that, “To make a long story short: I’ll be playing at least one more day here in New York. If I do well, another day after that.”
The chess grandmaster also revealed that he had spoken with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich after the incident.
“Speaking to Dvorkovich and the main sponsor Turlov, it did feel we could have some fruitful discussions, and in the end of the day, I decided to play,” Carlsen explained.
Oh, I am definitely playing in jeans tomorrow
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 29, 2024
Carlsen further emphasized his love for Blitz Chess and his desire to give fans the chance to watch him play. “It could be the last time, who knows,” he added.
Following the incident, Dvorkovich expressed regret over the escalation of the situation in a post on FIDE’s X account, acknowledging Carlsen’s critical role in elevating the sport.
Dvorkovich explained that, “It is unfortunate that the implementation of dress-code rules, while being legally sound and consistent, has left some feeling this is disproportionate and caused the situation everyone would have preferred to avoid.”
Dvorkovich also stated that a trial of a more flexible approach to attire would be introduced during the World Blitz Championship, allowing minor deviations from the official dress code.
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