Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world chess champion got disqualified at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York on Friday on account of dress code violation.

Carlsen was wearing jeans which is not allowed according to the tournament rules. When the chief arbiter asked him to change, Carlsen refused. As a result, he was fined $200 and eventually disqualified from the tournament.

FIDE statement regarding Magnus Carlsen’s dress code breach

FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.

Today, Mr Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code… pic.twitter.com/SLdxBpzroe

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 27, 2024

Carlsen, however, was not happy with the decision. He expressed his willingness to follow the dress code from the next day but refused to change immediately. He also stated that he won’t participate in the Blitz section of the championship.

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“I’m pretty tired of FIDE,” Carlsen said in an interview. “I don’t want anything to do with them. I’m sorry to everyone at home, maybe it’s a stupid principle, but I don’t think it’s any fun.”

Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen took to the X platform to share a picture of himself wearing the same attire that got him into trouble. With a mischievous grin, Carlsen captioned the post “OOTD” (Outfit of the Day).

OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024

This incident and Magnus Carlsen‘s “OOTD” post have sparked a debate about the dress code rules in chess tournaments. Whatever the case, Carlsen’s shocking exit from the tournament has left the chess world talking. Some social media users stated that the rules are necessary to maintain a professional atmosphere, but there are arguments stating that the rules are too strict and unnecessary.

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What’s wrong with Jeans? Is it written in the FIDE rule book that you can’t appear wearing Jeans?

— Manish (@Money_sh_) December 28, 2024

Magnus, and other top players, have a strong authority over chess itself and some authority over FIDE.

FIDE should however be respected, as they are the organisers.

But when the organisers continuously ignore the players that make the game what it is,

the players that…

— Kuba (@KubaS5030) December 28, 2024