Jeans icons sold for a fortune. Caused great controversy
Jeans of the Norwegian chess grandmaster and multiple world champion Magnus Carlsen were sold for an impressive amount of $ 36,100 at a charity auction. This element of clothing brought a considerable media recognition to Carlsen.
Magnus Carlsen is known not only for chess achievements, but also for an unconventional approach to life, including fashion. In December 2024, during the World Chess Championships in New York, his choice of wardrobe became a source of international discussion and controversy.
Magnus Carlsen’s jeans sold at auction
During the prestigious tournament, Carlsen appeared in the game room in jeans, which was a violation of the applicable dress code of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Pursuant to the regulations, participants are obliged to wear a formal outfit, and jeans are clearly prohibited. As a result, the Norwegian was admonished by the main judge and punished with a fine of $ 200, with an order to change the outfit.
Carlsen refused to adapt to these recommendations, which resulted in its exclusion from the ninth round of the 13-round fast chess tournament.
Carlsen’s reaction. Charity auction “Forbidden jeans”
After the incident, Carlsen initially decided to withdraw from further competition, including from the upcoming instant chess tournament (Blitz). However, after a few days of thoughts he decided to return to the game. His return turned out to be a success because he won the gold medal ex aequo with the Russian chess player Jan Niepomniaszcz.
After the end of the championship, Carlsen decided to turn the controversy into something positive. He put up his “forbidden jeans” to a charity auction, from which the income was to be donated to the organization of Big Brothers Big Sisters, supporting youth mentoring.
The auction attracted great interest and the pants were sold for impressive The amount of $ 36,100.
Fide changes the rules?
The controversy related to Carlsen’s jeans prompted Fide to see the current dress code. As a result of the discussion, it was decided to make some changes, allowing “elegant minor deviations” from a formal outfit, which opened the door to wearing elegant jeans in combination with a jacket.
The incident caused mixed reactions in the chess environment. Some players and commentators believed that clothing regulations are too restrictive and do not match contemporary realities.
Others emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and tradition in chess. The media around the world has widely commented on the situation, and Carlsen’s jeans have become a symbol of discussions about modernity and tradition in sport.
