Why Carlsen won’t face action for shorts controversy at World Rapid Championship Day 3

Chess world number one Magnus Carlsen once again grabbed attention off the board after he arrived wearing shorts and a t-shirt for Day 3 of the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha on Sunday, December 28. His attire immediately stood out as it goes against FIDE’s strict dress code rules for the tournament.

Carlsen turned up for rounds 10 to 13 in the Open section wearing shorts, even though he was not seen wearing the same attire inside the playing venue. FIDE regulations state that players are not allowed to wear t-shirts, shorts or baseball caps inside the playing venue. The dress code mandates formal or business-casual clothing, including suits, dark trousers or non-distressed jeans, shirts, and closed shoes.

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Why Carlsen won't be punished?

The picture that went viral on social media shows Carlsen signing autographs outside the venue. However, during the actual games, he was seen wearing a formal shirt and trousers along with his blazer. This is probably why the issue didn’t blow up, and no statement has been issued by FIDE.

According to FIDE’s official guidelines, the dress code is strictly enforced not only during games but also at official events and press conferences. The governing body allows suits, business-casual trousers, unicoloured shirts and closed shoes, but clearly bans casual outfits like shorts and t-shirts.

Carlsen’s appearance in shorts comes exactly a year after the so-called jeansgate controversy at last year’s World Rapid Championship in New York. At that time, he had turned up for a game wearing casual jeans, for which he was fined and asked to change immediately. Carlsen refused and later withdrew from the tournament and criticised FIDE for how the situation was handled.

Following that incident, FIDE updated its dress code rules this year and allowed players to wear “non-distressed jeans” at the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.

On the chess front, Carlsen is currently fighting for the top spot with Grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev. They both are on 8.0 points after 10 rounds. Hans Niemann is also on 8 points, while Arjun Erigaisi and three other players are close behind on 7.5 points.