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Magnus Carlsen and FIDE remain locked in one of modern chess’s strangest standoffs — and yet, here he is again, playing, winning, and dominating headlines.
The tension first exploded at last year’s World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York. Carlsen was fined for wearing jeans, withdrew from the Rapid event in protest, and openly declared himself “at full war with FIDE.”
The episode, quickly dubbed ‘Jeansgate’, went viral beyond chess circles. Carlsen later auctioned the infamous jeans for $36,000 for charity, turning defiance into spectacle.
At the time, his future at FIDE events looked bleak. But fast forward to Doha, and Carlsen is not just back — he’s thriving.
Speaking to Chess.com, the Norwegian admitted he came close to skipping the tournament
altogether.
“I was more than out at some point,” he said. What changed? Motivation, first and foremost. “I found some motivation to play and compete against the best in a world championship setting,” Carlsen explained, adding that watching the World Rapid and Blitz has become a tradition back home in Norway.
Notably, his return had little to do with mending bridges. Carlsen revealed he hasn’t really spoken to FIDE officials for over a year.
Instead, his communication has been with tournament organiser Muhammad Al-Mudahka, with whom his family shares a close relationship — a personal connection that mattered more than politics.
This year, FIDE quietly tweaked the dress code, officially allowing jeans. Carlsen couldn’t resist a wry note. “I’m sure there will be incidents,” he said. “There always are at the World Rapid and Blitz. I hope I’m not going to be part of it this time.”
The war may not be over — but once again, Carlsen is letting the chessboard do the talking.
