Five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen is auctioning off the now-infamous pair of jeans that led to his withdrawal from the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in December 2024.
The grandmaster found himself at the center of controversy when the chief arbiter informed him he couldn’t compete while wearing blue jeans and issued him a $200 fine. Although Carlsen was given the opportunity to change into more formal attire, he opted to leave the tournament entirely, sparking what became known online as “jeansgate.”
Now, Carlsen has decided to turn the incident into a charitable opportunity by listing the controversial pants on eBay. “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. *Game worn,” Carlsen announced on Twitter.
The jeans in question are from the Italian luxury brand Corneliani, size 32 with a 28-inch inseam and 18-inch waistline, typically retailing between $270-$700. The auction has already attracted significant attention, with the bidding reaching $8,000 from an initial starting price of around $20.
All proceeds from the sale will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, specifically to “support youth mentorship at chess clinics, community events, and beyond, to build connection, belonging, and enrich the lives of young people through the game.”
The auction has generated considerable buzz among Carlsen’s supporters, with some fans suggesting he should launch his own jeans brand. When asked if the jeans were being sold unwashed, Carlsen confirmed, “Yes. The real deal.”
The “forbidden jeans” remain available for bidding on eBay, though the auction is expected to conclude soon. This unique piece of chess history continues to draw attention from collectors and fans alike, transforming what began as a controversial moment into a charitable endeavor.
