What a joke: FIDE slammed after Carlsen, Nepomniachtchi share World Blitz crown

The chess world has ushered in the New Year with controversy. Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi sharing the 2024 World Blitz Championship title in New York on Wednesday, December 31, has not been well-received by a large section of fans. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the world title was shared after the two finalists agreed to a tie following seven rounds.

Fans have questioned the credibility of the World Blitz Championship after FIDE, the world chess governing body, permitted the tie and awarded the title jointly to both players.

Defending champion Carlsen initially dominated the final, winning the first two games. However, Nepomniachtchi mounted a strong comeback to level the score at 2-2. Three subsequent sudden-death games also ended in draws, leading Carlsen to propose to Nepomniachtchi that they share the title.

The arbiters at the venue deliberated on the proposal and ruled in favour, officially declaring two blitz champions for 2024.

Carlsen, who had initially withdrawn from the Blitz Championship following a dress code controversy in the Rapid event, explained the reasoning behind the shared title decision.

“People, of course, understand that we are both tired and nervous. Some people will like it; some won’t. It’s just how it is,” Carlsen said after the final.

Legendary Garry Kasparov found humour in the situation, referencing the dress code controversy that had caused an uproar earlier in the week.

A section of fans were upset.

However, several fans highlighted a perceived inconsistency, noting that the finalists in the women’s section were not given the option to share the title.

Grandmaster Ju Wenjun triumphed over her compatriot Grandmaster Lei Tingjie, winning the women’s blitz final 3.5-2.5. This victory added to the classical title Ju had secured earlier in the year.

Carlsen was embroiled in a controversy during the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York due to a dress code violation involving jeans. On December 27, after the sixth round of the Rapid Championship, Carlsen was fined USD 200 by the FIDE for wearing jeans, which contravened the tournament’s dress code aimed at maintaining professionalism.

Despite being allowed to change attire, Carlsen declined, stating it was a matter of principle. As a result, he was not paired for the ninth round and subsequently withdrew from both the Rapid and Blitz Championships, expressing his frustration with FIDE’s regulations.

However, on December 29, following discussions with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and a relaxation of the dress code, Carlsen reversed his decision and rejoined the Blitz Championship.