NEW DELHI: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen recently expressed criticism towards the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in response to an open letter from Jan Henric Beuttner, co-founder of Freestyle Chess, to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky.
Carlsen supported Beuttner’s stance with a brief message encouraging greatness, directly tagging FIDE on social media.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Carlsen gave a three-word verdict, noting, “Strive for greatness @FIDE_chess”
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The dispute stems from the establishment of the Freestyle Chess Players Club (FCPC) by Carlsen and Beuttner in March 2024 and the subsequent announcement of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour set to begin in February.
FIDE and Freestyle Chess have clashed over the designation of the term “World Championship” for Freestyle Chess events.
FIDE has sought to restrict the use of the term by requesting players to agree not to participate in non-FIDE sanctioned World Championships.
Beuttner’s letter clarified that the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour does not aim to replace the traditional World Championship but offers a unique format, culminating in the crowning of a Freestyle Chess World Champion based on performances across five Grand Slam events worldwide.
Buettner also addressed the inconsistency in FIDE’s stance, citing participation in events like the Bughouse World Championship by top players without repercussions, suggesting financial motives behind FIDE’s actions.
Sutovsky has stated FIDE’s openness to collaboration with private projects but warned of readiness for conflict if necessary. “We’d love to work with any private project – in particular with ambitious ones. But if you want a war – try us,” Sutovsky recently stated.
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