NEW YORK CITY, USA – World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen made a dramatic return to the World Blitz Chess Championship on Monday, just days after quitting the tournament over a dress code dispute with organisers.
Carlsen, who had initially vowed not to return after walking out of the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday, was back at the board following “fruitful” discussions with FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich and the tournament’s main sponsor.
True to his word, the Norwegian arrived in jeans for his first Blitz match against German grandmaster Michael Bezold.
Despite arriving a minute late, Carlsen adjusted the pieces before making his first move and ultimately secured victory.
The Dress Code Dispute
The controversy began on Friday when Carlsen was fined $200 for wearing jeans during the rapid tournament, a violation of FIDE’s dress code.
Tournament officials, including the Chief Arbiter, asked Carlsen to change, but the five-time World Rapid Champion declined.
He explained that he had been at a lunch meeting and “barely had time” to change his clothes before the tournament’s second day.
Citing the incident as a “matter of principle,” Carlsen withdrew from the rapid tournament, later declaring he would not compete in the Blitz Championship.
“This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players,” FIDE said in a statement, noting that another competitor, Ian Nepomniachtchi, also breached the dress code by wearing sports shoes but continued playing after changing.
Rule Change and Reconciliation
In response to the backlash, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich expressed regret over how the situation had unfolded, calling it “unfortunate.”
On Sunday, Dvorkovich announced adjustments to the dress code rules, allowing “elegant minor deviations,” including jeans that are deemed appropriate when paired with a jacket.
“The concerns raised by Magnus Carlsen highlight the need for further discussion about how to modernise the current approach, to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport,” Dvorkovich said.
Carlsen welcomed the changes but acknowledged lingering frustrations with FIDE.
“I did have some choice words for FIDE,” Carlsen told chess channel Take Take Take on Sunday.
“I definitely mean it when it comes to certain people in FIDE, no question about it. I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side.”
A Legacy of Excellence and Tensions
Carlsen’s return marked the continuation of his dominance in the Blitz format, where he has won seven world titles over the past decade.
Known for his clashes with FIDE over various issues, Carlsen has remained vocal about the need for the organisation to adapt to the modern chess landscape.
The 34-year-old, who holds five World Rapid titles in addition to his Blitz accolades, has repeatedly underscored his commitment to upholding what he views as fairness and integrity in the sport, even when it involves personal sacrifice.
While the episode highlights ongoing tensions between Carlsen and FIDE, it also signals a potential turning point in the governing body’s approach to modernising its rules.
As Carlsen continues to compete in the tournament, the chess world watches closely to see if this chapter will inspire broader changes within the sport.
