Chess champion Magnus Carlsen’s jeans spark bidding war

• Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is auctioning his “game-worn” jeans, which led to his disqualification from a major tournament due to a dress code violation. The auction, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters, has surpassed $8,000.
• FIDE barred Carlsen from competing in a key round for wearing jeans, leading him to withdraw in protest. He later returned for the Blitz Championship after officials relaxed the dress code.
• The controversy has sparked debate over FIDE’s dress code regulations, with the organization announcing a review of its policy to reflect modern professional chess.

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Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is auctioning off the jeans that led to his disqualification from a major tournament, turning the controversy into a charity opportunity. The auction, which started at $20.13, has surged past $8,000, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters to fund youth chess clinics.

Officials barred Carlsen, a five-time world champion, from competing in a key round of the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York, ruling that his jeans violated the event’s formal dress code. When he refused to change, the International Chess Federation, or FIDE, fined him $200 and did not pair him for Round 9, prompting him to withdraw in protest.

What happened after Carlsen withdrew?

Days later, Carlsen returned for the Blitz Championship after FIDE announced it would relax its dress code to allow “elegant minor deviations.” He played the remainder of the tournament in jeans and ultimately shared the gold medal with Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Carlsen listed the jeans on eBay, describing them as “game-worn” and confirming they have not been washed. The auction, which closes on March 1, has attracted significant attention, with the price jumping from $20 to $6,000 in just over 20 minutes before reaching its current high bid of $8,000.

How has the chess world responded?

Carlsen’s disqualification has reignited debate over FIDE’s dress code regulations, with some arguing for updates to reflect modern professional chess. The rules currently mandate formal attire, banning jeans, t-shirts, shorts and sneakers in championship play.

Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi was also fined at the event for wearing tennis shoes but changed into compliant attire and was allowed to continue playing.

Will FIDE change its dress code?

Following the backlash, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich acknowledged the controversy, stating that the organization would review its dress code policy to ensure it reflects the evolving nature of the game. The federation trialed a more flexible approach at the Blitz Championship, permitting “minor elegant deviations” such as jeans worn with a jacket.

What happens next?

As the chess world debates whether dress code regulations should change, one thing is clear — Carlsen has managed to turn a moment of controversy into both a viral spectacle and a charitable cause.