Grandmasters Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen have been accused of match-fixing after a World Blitz Championship video went public and showed them talking about a possible match. On Tuesday, December 31, Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi were announced as the tournament’s joint winners in New York
Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the 2024 World Blitz Championship title in New York on December 31, sparking debate in the chess community. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the championship was given out jointly when the two finalists reached an unprecedented agreement to tie after seven rounds. The world chess governing body, FIDE, approved the decision, but it has drawn harsh criticism and cast doubt on the championship’s legitimacy..
A widely shared video of Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi conversing backstage during the final added fuel to the fire. If FIDE rejects their request to share the title, Carlsen is allegedly heard telling Nepomniachtchi that they might “just play short draws until they give up” in the video. Many supporters have accused the two players of cooperation, which has resulted in suspicions of match-fixing. One social media user said, “It’s on tape that they talked about rigging the contest! “Disgraceful!”
The episode was deemed “wrong on many levels” by Indian Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan, who also accused Carlsen of trying to blackmail FIDE over the rules.
“Obviously, it’s incorrect on a number of levels. It also demonstrates Magnus’s natural tendency to use blackmail if Fide refuses to abide by the rules. In 2024 or 2025, where does power lie in the chess world?” he said.
Given the tournament’s circumstances, where Carlsen dominated the final by winning the first two games before Nepomniachtchi rallied to even at 2-2, the backlash has gotten more intense. Carlsen suggested sharing the trophy after three more sudden-death matches ended in draws. Following discussions, the arbiters decided to name both players the 2024 World Blitz champions.
Although Carlsen gave an explanation for the decision, pointing to fatigue and anxiety, and mentioned that there would be a range of reactions, the incident has caused many supporters to doubt the championship’s impartiality. Interestingly, there was no comparable clause allowing for championship sharing in the women’s division, where Grandmaster Ju Wenjun won the women’s blitz title by defeating Lei Tingjie 3.5-2.5.
An earlier incident during the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships has added to the controversy surrounding Carlsen. Fans and organizers had already expressed concern after Carlsen was fined USD 200 on December 27 for wearing pants in violation of the tournament’s dress rule.
Carlsen was offered the chance to change his clothes, but he declined, stating that he did so out of moral conviction. He expressed his displeasure with FIDE’s rules by withdrawing from the Rapid and Blitz Championships and getting disqualified from the ninth round as a result.
However, Carlsen changed his mind and returned to the Blitz Championship on December 29 after speaking with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and after the dress code was relaxed.
