Chess World in Turmoil: Magnus Carlsen vs Fide – Who Holds the Power?

The recent World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York not only showcased the incredible talent of chess players but also brought to light a power struggle between the reigning champion Magnus Carlsen and the governing body of the game, Fide.

The controversy began when Carlsen was barred from playing in a round of the Rapid leg of the tournament for wearing jeans, a violation of the dress code. This led to a public spat between Carlsen and Fide, with the World No.1 declaring that he was at “full war with Fide” and withdrawing from the tournament. However, after some negotiations, Carlsen returned for the Blitz portion of the event in his beloved denims.

The tension escalated further when Carlsen and Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi decided to share the World Blitz Championship title after three sudden-death games failed to produce a winner. This move forced Fide to change its rules on the fly, sparking criticism from the chess community.

The rift between Carlsen and Fide goes beyond dress codes and shared titles. It stems from Carlsen’s involvement in Freestyle Chess, a format that Fide has been allegedly trying to suppress. The chess world is now left wondering who truly holds the power in the game – the players or the governing body.

As both sides contemplate their next move, the chess community eagerly awaits to see how this power struggle will unfold and what it means for the future of the game. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.