Chess Player Anna-Maja Kazarian Criticises FIDE’s Dress Code and Bans Sneakers for World Rapid & Blitz Tournament

Dutch Chess Player Anna-Maja Kazarian Criticizes FIDE’s Dress Code Ban on Sneakers

Dutch chess player Anna-Maja Kazarian, known for her skills on the chessboard as well as her popular Twitch streams, has once again found herself at odds with the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Last year, Kazarian was fined 100 Euros for violating the dress code at the World Rapid Championship, and now she is speaking out against FIDE’s decision to ban sneakers at this year’s FIDE Rapid and Blitz tournament.

In a post on social media platform X, Kazarian expressed her frustration with FIDE’s strict dress code policies, calling them “ignorant” and “old-fashioned.” She shared photos from a FIDE guide presentation for players, which outlined the guidelines for approved outfits and prohibited attire.

The presentation, titled ‘Dress for Chess to Impress,’ emphasized the importance of “Smart Business Attire” for players, aiming for a balance between professionalism and comfort. While men are required to wear suits, trousers, shirts, and jackets, women have a wider range of options including dresses, skirts, blouses, and jewelry.

FIDE Athletes Commission chairman and grandmaster Ahmed Adly conducted the presentation, which also detailed the fines for dress code violations. Players in the open section face a 200 Euro fine, while women’s events carry a 100 Euro penalty. A second infringement results in exclusion from pairings for the next round.

Despite the controversy surrounding the dress code, Kazarian remains a formidable force in the chess world. The 24-year-old has an impressive track record, including winning the 2020 Dutch Women’s Internet Chess Championship and being crowned the under-16 girls’ European Youth Champion. With a peak FIDE rating of 2320 and a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm under her belt, Kazarian continues to make her mark on the international chess scene.