Ace chess player Magnus Carlsen has announced his participation in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz tournament with aplomb, pointing out that he will soon hit the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time, after he became the centre of a massive controversy regarding his get-up in the last edition of the tournament.
Carlsen showed up to the event in jeans, violating FIDE’s dress code. The Chief Arbiter notified him of the breach and handed him a $200 fine.
Carlsen was given a chance to change his clothes for the next round but refused to do so, stating that it had become a matter of principle.
“9 years ago, I left the world rapid and blitz in Doha with two near misses and some viral rage moments. This year, I hope to improve on the former,
but regardless, I promise to deliver on the latter. Also, I’ll be grinding at the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time,” Carlsen tweeted on Thursday evening.
9 years ago I left the world rapid and blitz in Doha with two near misses and some viral rage moments. This year I hope to improve on the former, but regardless I promise to deliver on the latter.
Also, I’ll be grinding the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time.
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) November 20, 2025
The controversy did not end with Carlsen’s refusal. Since he declined to change attire, he was disqualified and left unpaired for the next round of the rapid championship.
After his disqualification, Carlsen withdrew from the rest of the World Rapid and Blitz Championship.
The incident underscored the rigidity of FIDE’s dress code and sparked debate over professionalism in chess. FIDE defended the rules as essential for fairness and decorum, noting that another player was fined for wearing sports shoes as well, though they changed and continued playing.
The tournament will be held from December 25 to 30 this year in Doha.
