Magnus Carlsen
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iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image3Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion, has recently made headlines by auctioning a pair of jeans that became infamous in the chess community. These jeans, dubbed the “forbidden jeans,” were at the center of a controversy during the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship.
The Incident: Jeans and Principles
In December 2024, Carlsen arrived at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York wearing jeans, which violated the tournament’s dress code prohibiting casual attire. Tournament officials fined him $200 and requested he change into appropriate clothing. Carlsen declined, citing a lack of time after a lunch meeting. Subsequently, he was not paired for the final round of the day and chose to withdraw from the tournament, expressing his dissatisfaction with the dress code enforcement. citeturn0search0
The Auction: A Charitable Gesture
In a surprising turn, Carlsen announced the auction of the very jeans that led to his forfeit. He stated, “The forbidden jeans – can now be yours. I am auctioning my jeans. A sentence I never thought I would write. But here we are. All proceeds go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.” citeturn0search0
The auction is hosted on eBay for Charity, with all proceeds benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, an organization dedicated to helping children realize their potential and build their futures. As of February 20, 2025, the highest bid for the jeans had reached approximately ₹6.93 lakh (around $8,000). citeturn0search4
Public Reaction and Significance
The auction has garnered significant attention, with over 36,000 clicks on the listing and widespread media coverage. This event highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, and philanthropy, showcasing how a moment of controversy can be transformed into a charitable opportunity.
Conclusion
Magnus Carlsen’s decision to auction his “forbidden jeans” exemplifies his ability to turn a contentious situation into a positive contribution to society. By supporting the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Carlsen not only addresses the incident with grace but also provides a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of chess history while supporting a noble cause.
