Magnus Carlsen’s World Famous Jeans from 2024 World Rapid Championship Sold for $36,000 at Auction for Charity

The world-famous jeans worn by GM Magnus Carlsen during the 2024 World Rapid Championship have been sold at auction for an incredible $36,000. The proceeds from the auction will go to charity, specifically to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children through mentorship and support.

The auction, which saw a 10-day bidding war culminate in a final frenzy of bids, saw an anonymous bidder secure the coveted pair of size-32 regular-fit Corneliani jeans. The top bid skyrocketed from $14,200 to $36,100 in less than 30 minutes, with the winning bidder also responsible for covering $74 in shipping costs.

The Italian luxury brand jeans gained notoriety after Carlsen’s controversial moment in New York last December, where he was fined and eventually barred from playing for refusing to comply with the event’s dress code. His decision to forfeit the tournament sparked discussions about dress codes in professional chess and made headlines worldwide.

Carlsen, who shared his outfit of the day on social media following the incident, expressed his support for the auction during the Chessable Masters event, noting that the proceeds will benefit a worthy cause. BBBSA CEO Artis Stevens expressed gratitude for Carlsen’s gesture, stating that the funds will be used to expand mentorship programs and empower youth through chess-related activities.

The auction, organized in collaboration with Chess.com, garnered attention from chess fans and media outlets worldwide, highlighting the intersection of chess, fashion, and philanthropy in a unique and engaging way.