Carlsen to Compete Again After Dress Code Shift in Chess Championship

World chess champion Magnus Carlsen is set to re-enter the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) relaxed its dress code policy. Carlsen, who had withdrawn from the tournament on Friday due to a dispute over wearing jeans, announced he would return to play on Monday, now that the rules allow for "elegant minor deviations." The 34-year-old player initially left the competition after being informed that his jeans were inappropriate attire, despite having played several rounds dressed in a shirt, blazer, and jeans combo.

Carlsen explained that he had worn jeans to a lunch meeting and didn’t consider changing before the tournament. Following the incident, where he was fined $200 for dress code violations, Carlsen made a social media post stating he would indeed play in jeans the following day. FIDE President Arkadi Dvorkovich confirmed that tournament officials would facilitate the assessment of outfits under the new relaxed guidelines. Carlsen, a five-time champion known for his maverick style, previously faced controversy over accusations of cheating leveled against a rival player, which he later retracted after a legal settlement.

The chess community awaits his performance as he returns to defend his title in New York.