Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top chess player, is using a recent controversy to benefit a charitable cause. The Norwegian grandmaster has decided to auction off the jeans that sparked a dress code debate during December’s World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York. Carlsen famously walked away from the tournament after being fined $200 for refusing to change his pants.
The governing body of the tournament later agreed to relax the dress code, but Carlsen has chosen to part with his infamous jeans. Fans of chess and the incident, now popularly known as #JeansGate, have the opportunity to bid on Carlsen’s size 32 Corneliani jeans. The auction, listed as in “good” condition, is set to close on March 1, and the highest bid had reached $8,200 as of February 21.
The proceeds from this auction will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a well-established national youth mentoring organization. According to Artis Stevens, the president and CEO of the charity, the funds will support initiatives like chess clinics and community events, helping to prepare young people for life’s challenges with valuable skills and confidence.
Stevens highlighted that chess has long been a favored activity for participants in their programs, fostering critical thinking and valuable social connections. He emphasized that Carlsen’s contribution is an iconic symbol of chess history, aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation through mentorship opportunities.
