Magnus Carlsen Withdraws from Chess Championship Over Jeans

Magnus Carlsen, the renowned chess grandmaster, withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after being fined $200 for wearing jeans, which violated FIDE's dress code. Carlsen offered to change his attire the next day but was instructed to comply immediately, leading him to declare it a 'matter of principle' and ultimately decide to leave the tournament. He expressed frustration with FIDE's regulations, stating, 'I am too old at this point to care too much,' and added, 'Like, f**k you,' as he opted to go on holiday instead. FIDE defended its dress code, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and fairness among participants. Carlsen's outfit, consisting of a shirt, blazer, and jeans, was worn after a lunch meeting, and he admitted he hadn't considered the dress code beforehand. Known for his strong personality, Carlsen has been involved in previous controversies, maintaining his status as a prominent figure in the chess world.