Post by : Meena
Hassan
The Chess World Cup 2025 is being held in Goa and has highlighted India’s rising talent D Gukesh. The tournament, however, has drawn attention because World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen is not participating, prompting debate within the chess community.
Carlsen has skipped this World Cup and has also said he will not challenge D Gukesh for the World Championship next year.
Reasons for Carlsen’s absence
Carlsen has publicly criticised FIDE’s management of classical chess formats used in the World Cup and World Championship, a disagreement that predates the current competition and relates in part to his support for the Freestyle Chess movement.
He also refused to defend his World Championship title in 2023, a decision that led to Ding Liren becoming champion; Ding was later defeated by D Gukesh in 2024.
What Carlsen’s coach said
Peter Heine Nielsen, Carlsen’s coach, posted on X (formerly Twitter) in sharp terms about the situation, arguing that the top players are absent from the World Cup while prioritising regular online events such as ‘Titled Tuesday,’ and that such a scenario would be unacceptable in other sports.
Not Just Carlsen: Nakamura and Caruana Also Absent
Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana are among other elite players who have also opted out. They have cited concerns including low prize funds and substantial travel and participation costs when skipping FIDE events.
Carlsen has additionally said his working relationship with FIDE was seriously damaged after a contentious episode at the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championships, often referred to in media coverage as the “jeans scandal.”
Speaking to Norwegian media earlier this year, he said,
"The relationship that my team and I have with FIDE is pretty destroyed. At least with the current administration."
He has also confirmed he will not take part in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships this year, calling participation "completely out of the question" under current circumstances.
English
