The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has eased its dress code for the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha, a year after the infamous “jeansgate” incident involving Magnus Carlsen.
For the December 25–30 event, FIDE will now allow classic, non-distressed jeans in blue, black, or grey, along with dark business-casual trousers for both men and women—marking a notable shift from the governing body’s traditionally conservative norms. Suits, unicoloured shirts, dress shoes, loafers and sneakers are permitted for men, while women may wear dresses, skirt or pant suits, dark trousers including jeans, and formal blouses.
The 101-year-old federation had already begun softening its stance in September, allowing “appropriate jeans’’ at the Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss tournaments. The Doha regulations effectively extend that relaxation across major events.
Despite the leniency, FIDE has outlined strict sanctions for violations. Players could face penalties for appearing untidy or wearing wrinkled clothing, with repeated or serious breaches potentially leading to exclusion from subsequent rounds.
The announcement comes a day after world No.1 Magnus Carlsen humorously referenced last year’s controversy, posting that he would be “grinding the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time.”
Carlsen was fined USD 200 during the 2024 event after his jeans failed to meet the prescribed dress code. He refused to change immediately and was removed from the day’s pairings, later withdrawing from the Rapid section altogether. The Norwegian grandmaster returned for the Blitz event, sharing the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi, and eventually auctioned his jeans for about ₹31.5 lakh, donating the proceeds to charity.
India will field a strong 41-member contingent in Doha, led by world champion D Gukesh. Other major names include Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Koneru Humpy, and Divya Deshmukh.
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