Magnus Carlsen has once again stirred excitement ahead of the 2025 World Rapid & Blitz Championship in Doha, Qatar. With a perfect blend of humour and confidence, Carlsen took to social media to recall his past experiences and tease fans with what to expect this year. So, what did he say? Let’s find out.
Magnus Carlsen’s Witty Tweet
Magnus Carlsen’s tweet perfectly captured his unique personality and his readiness for the upcoming event: “9 years ago I left the world rapid and blitz in Doha with two near misses and some viral rage moments. This year, I hope to improve on the former, but regardless, I promise to deliver on the latter. Also, I’ll be grinding at the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time.”
9 years ago I left the world rapid and blitz in Doha with two near misses and some viral rage moments. This year I hope to improve on the former, but regardless I promise to deliver on the latter.
Also, I’ll be grinding the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time.
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) November 20, 2025
This tongue-in-cheek message references the infamous “jeansgate” incident from last year’s championship in New York, where Carlsen was fined $200 by FIDE for wearing jeans, breaching the dress code. The drama escalated when Carlsen walked out of the rapid event in protest, but later returned to the blitz with a statement, wearing jeans again, following FIDE’s relaxed rules. He even auctioned off the jeans for charity, raising over $36,000, making it one of the most talked-about incidents in chess history.
Now, returning to Doha nine years after his last appearance there, Magnus Carlsen is clearly ready to compete fiercely. Doha will host the championship from December 25 to 30, with a prize fund exceeding €1,000,000 and some of the world’s top chess players joining the fray. Despite lingering tensions between Carlsen and the International Chess Federation arising from previous disagreements, his participation confirms a truce and promises an exciting competition.
Read More
The chess world is buzzing with anticipation as Magnus Carlsen prepares to defend his titles. He’s a five-time rapid and seven-time blitz world champion against rising stars and strong contenders like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh Dommaraju. With the event returning to Doha after nearly a decade, the stakes are high, and Carlsen’s witty comeback hints at more than just his game-winning tactics; it’s about the charisma and personality he brings to the board.
Also read: The Magnus Carlsen Effect: FIDE Changes Dress Code Post Jeans Controversy
