Magnus Carlsen takes a U-turn, says will participate in the World Blitz Championship: ‘I’m definitely playing in jeans’ | Chess News

A couple of days after pulling out from FIDE World Rapid and Blitz tournament, Magnus Carlsen has taken a U-turn. Carlsen has confirmed that he will participate in the World Blitz Championship and after a few alterations to the rules, he will playing in the jeans.
Speaking to Levi Rozman from “Take, Take, Take” at the playing venue on Wall Street, Carlsen said: “I am playing at least one more day here in New York and, if I do well, another day after that”.
“We had a lot of discussions yesterday and we have a good relationship with FIDE President Dvorkovich… Speaking to Dvorkovich and the main sponsor Turlov it did feel we could have some fruitful discussions and in the end of the day I decided to play,” Carlsen said.
FIDE in a statement has also confirmed that Magnus Carlsen will participate in the FIDE World Blitz Championship.
“FIDE looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Mr. Carlsen and the global chess community to enhance the conditions and atmosphere of FIDE competitions, ensuring the best possible experience for players and fans alike,” read the statement.
“This is great news for the chess world. We are delighted that the reigning World Blitz Chess Champion will be competing to defend his title and aim for another crown at the highly anticipated event in New York.”

Magnus is keeping the jeans on. pic.twitter.com/4sUgWmqNsN
— Take Take Take (@TakeTakeTakeApp) December 29, 2024
Magnus Carlsen pulled out of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz tournament on Friday night after he was fined the global governing body of the sport for wearing jeans.
Magnus Carlsen has also made it sure that as a matter of principle he will be playing in the jeans only.
“The only reason that we were having these discussions at all is that I realised when I woke up that not only did we speak to some more reasonable people, I also love playing Blitz. That’s why it’s still a thing,” he said.
“I want to give the fans as well an opportunity to see this. I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time, who knows. But for now, I’m here.
“And there have been some, I think, slight alterations to the rules. As a matter of principle, I’m definitely playing in jeans tomorrow. But yeah, here we are.”

Why should you buy our Subscription?

You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.

Choose your subscription package