Unprecedented Title Share at World Blitz Championship Sparks Chess Community Outrage

For the first time in history, Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi decided to share the World Blitz Championship title, causing controversy in the chess world. This decision faced harsh criticism, particularly over the lack of a predefined tiebreaker rule. Despite scrutiny, federation FIDE revised policies to adapt to Carlsen's participation.


Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 01-01-2025 23:03 IST | Created: 01-01-2025 23:03 IST
Unprecedented Title Share at World Blitz Championship Sparks Chess Community Outrage
  • Country:
  • India

In a historic move, Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi have chosen to share the World Blitz Championship title, igniting a storm of outrage in the chess community. The deadlock decision, following three sudden-death games, is unprecedented and has divided opinions among top chess players and officials.

Critics, including former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, lambasted the international chess federation, FIDE, for not having clear regulations to address such a scenario. This comes amid recent changes to the federation's dress code, following Carlsen's earlier disqualification for attire violations, which were subsequently overturned.

The controversy escalated as US Grandmaster Hans Niemann and other prominent figures called for an investigation into FIDE's decision-making process. The incident continues to provoke debate on impartiality and rule enforcement within the chess world.

(With inputs from agencies.)

Give Feedback