The former world chess champion, Magnus Carlsen, has announced that he will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, having initially decided to leave over a dress code dispute.
Carlsen, the world champion between 2013 and 2023, was first banned from playing in a round by the governing body of the tournament, FIDE, after he flouted the dress code wearing jeans. The Norwegian chess star responded by announcing his withdrawal from the event on Friday.
However, in an interview with the YouTube channel Take Take Take on Sunday, Carlsen announced that he would be back at the tournament. “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,” he said.
Carlsen explained that after speaking with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, as well as the event’s main sponsor, Turlov, they managed to have productive discussions. He added that his love for blitz chess and his desire to give fans the opportunity to watch him play influenced his decision to rejoin the competition.
Dvorkovich later expressed regret over the situation, admitting that the dress code rules were proper and legally sound but enforcing them had created unnecessary tensions. He also announced a trial period for a more flexible dress code during the World Blitz Championships, which could tolerate minor deviations from the official guidelines.
However, Carlsen made it known that he would not change to his preferred wear. “As a principle, I will definitely play in jeans tomorrow,” he declared.
