In a move that has shocked the chess world, Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world number 1, has decided to withdraw from the 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship. His reason? A heated dispute over a dress code policy that insisted he change his jeans for trousers. Yes, you read that right – jeans apparently didn’t meet the event’s standards.
Carlsen, ever the principled figure, refused to comply with this ‘fashionable’ request, choosing instead to withdraw from the tournament. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’s also stepping down from defending his title at the World Blitz 2024. So, with Carlsen out, two new world champions are now guaranteed.

Photo credit: FIDE/Lennart Ootes.
Magnus, in an exclusive (and somewhat dramatic) interview with Norwegian media, revealed he’s done with FIDE events altogether. No more tournament drama for him. He’s officially bowing out of the FIDE circus – jeans, trousers, and all.
For those still craving the juicy details, check out his interviews with IM Levy Rozman on Take Take Take, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, FIDE Deputy President Vishy Anand, and a Norwegian journalist. It’s a chess soap opera you won’t want to miss!
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