Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, one of the most well-known figures in Indian chess, recently cast some light on the reasons that Carlsen has taken such a stance and his behest on the grounds that the world champion would get away with it.
The conquest-or dignified image really depends on respective applications a concept greeted by some with disdain. For some time now, Magnus Carlsen-a prodigy deemed the chess world champion-has been embroiled in a tempest of controversies involving the world governing body for chess, FIDE, and Indian chess legend, Viswanathan Anand-the case as a whole has taken more undesirable situations recently, with every utterance and short action from Carlsen inciting the wrath of all and sundry in the chess fraternity.
Confrontation: Carlsen Faces Off against FIDE
For the past several years, Magnus Carlsen has been a towering figure with an unquestionable leadership role in the chess community, but his interest in FIDE has turned into something of a sour smile in recent months. The break widened in December 2024 because Carlsen had a rather staid clothes violation at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York.
Donning a pair of jeans, Carlsen’s dress didn’t fit into the required formal code of the tournament, which rubbed the organizers and the chess governing authority the wrong way. This incident bred further animosity between Carlsen and FIDE especially, in the run-up to the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour’s opening event in Weissenhaus, Germany.
The tension has only multiplied with Carlsen’s criticism of certain key figures in the organization, including Viswanathan Anand, who is FIDE’s deputy president. Following the controversial decision to share the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi for a blitz world title, Carlsen openly chastised Anand, saying that he had “not been equipped to do this job.” These types of criticisms only led to widening the rift between the chess star and the organization altogether.
Vidit Gujrathi’s Appearances: An Outlaw Carlsen
In a recent episode of Cyrus Says!, a YouTube show hosted by comedic VJ Cyrus Broacha, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi weighed in on the ongoing tensions between Carlsen and FIDE. Gujrathi, who was part of the historic Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, described Karlsen as being a ‘rebel’ in the chess world. According to Gujrathi, Carlsen could speak so freely and perform acts that contradict the rules of chess, simply because of his unbeatable status as the world champion.
“Carlsen does what he does,” Gujrathi noted that the 34-year-old has a unique status that grants him immunity toward such actions in the realm of chess. “He can afford to break the rule since ultimately, he is the world champion. Right now, Carlsen has become much bigger than his sport,” added Gujrathi, commenting that Carlsen’s stature in checkers has put him firmly above the whims of mere mortals.
Comparing Carlsen to Shah Rukh Khan: A Chess Superstar Beyond the Game
To further emphasize Carlsen’s elevated status, Vidit Gujrathi drew a comparison between the Norwegian Grandmaster and the Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan. Just as Shah Rukh Khan is that big, Carlsen has now come to overshadow the game of chess itself.
“Sometimes the artist becomes bigger than the art,” Gujrathi said. “SRK is SRK. He is a star. Now if SRK’s movie comes, you will go and watch it.” The analogy in a way shows how Carlsen has reached such heights of fame and prestige within the chess world that his every little move is often seen as above reproach.
The analogy of Gujrathi with Shah Rukh Khan shows how Carlsen has become this larger-than-life figure, the popularity and celebrity status now so huge that with an amount of autonomy not many other chess players enjoy, Carlsen can act.
Carlsen’s Ongoing Frustration with FIDE and Where He’s Going
Various titles, including his feelings to FIDE, were reiterated by the present World Chess Champion during Assuring of his Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour held at Weissenhaus, culminating in third place after a loss to Vincent Keymer. Carlsen openly befriended the crossing-out of FIDE from his life, stating that he would surely not participate further in any event associated with the governing body. Such a course of action gives weight to Carlsen’s burgeoning frustration with FIDE and its management of the sport.
Carlsen’s harsh criticism of the leadership of FIDE, particularly with regard to Anand and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, has raised quite an issue over what will become of his participation in the events sanctioned by FIDE. His public statements, including his pronouncement about not participating any further, invoke some prophets to concentrate on that Carlsen is ready to stop interacting with the governing body of how-it-is.
The Bigger Picture: Chess’s Fight over Where It Will Go
The ongoing feud between Carlsen and FIDE also presents larger questions on what the future will hold for chess as a sport. Heightened or not, concern about how much this would hinder the growth and global attractiveness of the game is set up in Carlsen’s further restlessness regarding FIDE’s management. As one of the very few influential leaders of the chess community, whatever choice Carlsen makes could send approval a bit further through the chess family and its governance.
By taking on FIDE, an organization that has dominated the sport for ages, Carlsen suggests that he wants more control over his own career and competitive chess leadership. Some view this action as a cockpit strike against FIDE, while some think that the confrontational approach taken by Carlsen could indicate a turning point in the global governance and management of the profession.
Unmatched Influence of Carlsen on Chess
The tussle between Magnus Carlsen and FIDE and Viswanathan Anand has brought to the fore disputes between governing authorities and one of the major players in the sport. The words of Vidit Gujrathi sought to explain why Carlsen, in defiance of FIDE and its President, could speak out so boldly, owing to the status of his game and being the reigning World Chess Champion.
Carlsen is compared to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, which shows how far he has transcended the sport of chess, having become a global icon. As the future of Carlsen’s work with FIDE remains in doubt, he continues shaping the future of competitive chess-wonderful or dreadful. The chess world waits in suspense for how the drama unfolds. Will it result in a permanent rupture between Carlsen and the ruling managerial body of the game?
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma To Leave Captaincy Ahead Of Champions Trophy In Test cricket
