The World Rapid and Blitz Championship is no stranger to controversy. From the “jeansgate” saga to the shared Blitz title, a common thread runs through it all: Magnus Carlsen. The 18-time World Champion across all formats, who famously, or perhaps infamously, banged the table after losing to India’s D. Gukesh earlier this year in Norway, was seen losing his temper once again at the 2025 edition in Doha.
The incident occurred after Carlsen was outplayed by Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev in the seventh round of the Rapid section, marking Carlsen’s first loss of the event. Following the defeat, the Norwegian shook hands to concede, grabbed his blazer, and began storming off. As he walked away, a FIDE photographer approached for a close-up shot. Just as the photographer neared him, Carlsen angrily shoved the camera aside and exited the playing hall.
Carlsen was also asked before the World Rapid and Blitz if there would be more controversy at this year’s FIDE World Rapid and Blitz, like last year’s jeansgate.
“I’m sure that there will be incidents because there always are at the World Rapid and Blitz. I hope I’m not going to be part of it this time. That’s what I can say,” he added.
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