Magnus Carlsen to fight for World Rapid chess title he forfeited in 'tighter jeans'

After the infamous jeansgate episode from last year, Magnus Carlsen will return to compete for the World Rapid Chess title in Doha this December.

FIDE said on Thursday that the World No 1 has confirmed his participation in the event that will take place between December 25 and 30. World Champion (classical) D Gukesh will also be in action.

The last edition of the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship held in New York saw at least a couple of unprecedented events, both involving Carlsen.

The Norwegian superstar reached the United States as the defending Rapid and Blitz champion in the Open category. He forfeited the Rapid event midway after being accused of dress code violation for wearing 'jeans'.

"I’ll be grinding the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time," Carlsen posted on X after his participation in the Doha event was confirmed.

Carlsen's exit triggered a major debate, forcing FIDE to bend its rules. The World No 1 made a stunning return to the venue for the Blitz event, wearing 'jeans', and he stamped his authority by sharing the first place, a stunt never pulled before, with Ian Nepomniachtchi. Carlsen came up with the idea to share his prize with the Russian after they played seven games in a row in the final.

The drama did not end there as Carlsen put his 'game-worn' jeans on auction, pledging the proceeds for charity. The luxury jeans with a retail price of about ₹50,000 went for a whopping ₹31.5 lakh ($36,100) in the auction.

It wouldn't be surprising if Carlsen turns up in jeans for the championships in Doha. FIDE said 233 players have registered for the Blitz Open and 230 for the Rapid.