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Magnus Carlsen’s converted his controversial denim into some greens — for charity.
Magnus Carlsen sold his JeansGate at an auction for $36,100 (X)
The pair of jeans that Magnus Carlsen wore during his controversial clash with chess’ global governing body, FIDE has sold for 31 lakh INR (36,100 USD) after getting 94 bids on eBay. The winning bidders will also have to pay 74 USD for shipping.
“It was my thought from very early on that this was a fun idea. It’s all going to a nice charity. Hopefully it’s something people are interested in. They’re certainly up there with some of the more contemporary jeans. That’s for sure,” Carlsen had said on the auction during the Chessable Masters.
The Norwegian chess grandmaster announced this week that he is auctioning off the Italian luxury brand jeans that started a dress code dispute at December’s World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. Carlsen ultimately quit the New York competition after accepting a $200 fine while refusing to change his pants.
While the tournament’s governing body agreed to loosen the dress code, Carlsen is parting with his infamous britches.
Chess fanatics and #JeansGate followers had the chance to own Carlsen’s pair of size 32 regular-fit Corneliani jeans, retailing between $300 and $500.
Carlsen had listed the jeans as pre-owned but in “good” condition: “Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen’s #JeansGate Jeans”.
“The forbidden jeans – can now be yours. I am auctioning my jeans. A sentence I never thought I would write. But here we are. All proceeds go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program,” Carlsen had posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Sold for $36.100🙏— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) March 1, 2025
Proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a national youth-mentoring charity that carries out its mission through local chapters across 5,000 communities nationwide. According to BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens, they will be used to “bring mentorship to even more youth through chess clinics, community events, and more, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.”
Stevens said chess has long been a favorite activity for program participants that creates opportunities for critical thinking and lifelong connections.
“Magnus Carlsen has captivated the world with his brilliance in chess, and now, this iconic piece of chess history will help inspire and empower the next generation through mentorship,” Stevens said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
