In a remarkable turn of events, World No. 1 chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen’s jeans have been sold at auction for an astounding $36,100. The jeans became a symbol of controversy during the 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship, leading to an incident dubbed ‘Jeansgate.’
The ‘Jeansgate’ Incident
During the December 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship in New York, Carlsen faced penalties for violating FIDE’s dress code by wearing jeans. Despite a $200 fine and requests to change attire, he refused, resulting in his withdrawal from the tournament. This incident garnered widespread media attention, highlighting tensions between traditional regulations and modern expressions in chess.
Auctioning the Infamous Jeans for Charity
In February 2025, Carlsen announced he would auction the contentious jeans, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The auction attracted significant attention, with bids soaring from an initial $8,000 to the final $36,100.
GothamChess’s Bidding War
Popular chess YouTuber Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, actively participated in the auction. He placed aggressive bids at $14,100, $16,000, $16,300, and $16,600 but withdrew when bids exceeded $22,000. Rozman later commented on the rapid escalation, stating, “I made a bid for the Magnus Carlsen jeans but within the last 30 seconds it went from $16,000 to $36,000.”
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Impact on the Chess Community
The ‘Jeansgate’ incident and subsequent auction have sparked discussions about dress codes and modernity in chess. Magnus Carlsen’s jeans sure is a memorable one as his decision to turn controversy into charitable action has been widely praised, reflecting his influence both on and off the board.
This auction not only highlights the evolving culture within the chess community but also underscores the potential for turning contentious moments into opportunities for positive impact.
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