‘Not great’: Magnus Carlsen opens up on relations with FIDE ahead of World Rapid & Blitz return after ‘Jeansgate’

World No. 1 and five-time World champion Magnus Carlsen has returned to take part in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Qatar.

Speaking ahead of the tournament in Doha, the Norwegian discussed his relationship with the game’s governing body, FIDE, especially after last year’s much-publicised “jeansgate” controversy.



The 2025 edition of the World Rapid & Blitz Championships is being held in Doha, Qatar, from December 26 to 30 at the Sports and Events Complex, Qatar University.

With a prize fund exceeding €1 million, the event marks Doha’s return as host after a nine-year gap.

The open section features 251 players, including 57 rated above 2600, while the women’s event includes 141 participants, with 41 rated over 2300.

At Thursday’s pre-tournament press conference, Carlsen stressed that personal relationships, rather than institutional ties, played the biggest role in his return to the event.

“My family and I have had a great relationship with Mohammed and the organising committee here for many years. I think we’ve had three family trips here, to the Qatar Masters twice, which I like tremendously, and the World Rapid and Blitz. I really enjoyed the last time, even though my play wasn’t very good," Carlsen said.

"We also have a lot of family here now, so we’re very happy to be back. That was a massive factor in me playing here, and honestly, a very big part of the reason why I wanted to play.”

He also acknowledged the expectations back home, adding, “Apart from that, there are some other reasons as well. There’s definitely some expectation of me in Norway to provide holiday entertainment. I’m not saying that’s a decisive factor, but it definitely plays a role, and I want to provide that.

“There was also a question about what motivates me during games and so on. I love playing, and coming here forces me to really do my best. I still play quite a number of events, and my motivation can be a little bit up and down, but coming here I know that nothing except my best is acceptable, and that motivates me too.”

When asked directly about FIDE, Carlsen was blunt.

“As for my relationship with FIDE, I wouldn’t say that it’s great. In terms of coming here, my family’s relationship with Muhammad and the Qatar Chess Federation is much more important,” he added.

The comments inevitably revive memories of “jeansgate”, when Carlsen was forfeited from the final round of the 2024 World Rapid Championship after refusing to change his jeans, deemed a dress-code violation by arbiters.

Earlier this year, they were sold at auction for $36,100, far above their original retail price of $300–$500. Carlsen donated the proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, adding a philanthropic twist to the saga.


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