Magnus Carlsen Makes U-Turn, Rejoins World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship

Magnus Carlsen has reversed his decision and will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship after initially pulling out due to a controversy over wearing jeans, which violated the event’s dress code.

Carlsen confirmed his return to the tournament in New York but made it clear that he would continue to play in jeans. He explained, “To make a long story short, I’ll play at least one more day here in New York. If I do well, maybe another day after that. After speaking with Dvorkovich and main sponsor Turlov, it felt like there were fruitful discussions, and I decided to play.”

The five-time World Rapid Chess Champion and seven-time World Blitz Chess Champion also expressed his excitement for blitz chess, noting, “I love playing blitz chess and want to give the fans a chance to see me play. It could be the last time, who knows.”

Carlsen shared that he had a conversation with India’s chess legend Viswanathan Anand, deputy president of chess’ governing body, but did not receive clear answers regarding his attire. Carlsen said, “We had long discussions with Anand and others, but they basically said arbiters are like robots who can’t deviate from the rules. They said jeans are generally not allowed, but if exceptions exist, I don’t see why I didn’t meet them.”

Anand, responding to Carlsen’s initial withdrawal, stated that Carlsen’s refusal to follow the rules left them with little choice, adding that Carlsen’s decision seemed emotional and that he was unwilling to compromise.