You can now own a truly unique piece of chess history while also supporting a charitable cause. GM Magnus Carlsen recently announced the auction of the famous pair of jeans that led to his forfeit at the FIDE World Rapid Championship in December 2024. The highest bidder* will take home Carlsen’s (unwashed) pair of jeans and support the Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Carlsen’s jeans gained worldwide notoriety during last year’s FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in December. At the time, the tournament arbiter approached Carlsen and asked him to change into another pair of pants to abide by the tournament’s dress code. Carlsen was first fined $200, and then when still refusing to change between rounds, was not paired to play the final round of the day. After a heated argument with the organizers, the world number-one (and, at the time, Rapid World Champion) decided to forfeit the tournament.
The episode was picked up by major media outlets such as ESPN, CNN, The New York Times, CBS, and the BBC, among others, turning Carlsen’s jeans into the most famous piece of clothing in chess history.
OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv
— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024
The auction will be live until March 1, and the proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The organization, which helps children realize their potential and build their futures, will use the money to support youth chess clinics. All bids will be processed by eBay for Charity. Place your bid now and take home this iconic pair of pants!
Would you wear Magnus Carlsen’s pants? If so, when and where? Let us know in the comments below!
* Please see all terms and conditions of participating in the auction on ebay.com/magnus
