Checkered Past, Charitable Future: Carlsen’s Jeans Go Under the Hammer

Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top chess grandmaster, has turned a sartorial misstep into a philanthropic gambit. The Norwegian maestro is auctioning the very jeans that sparked a dress code fracas at December’s World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, with the proceeds destined for a cause far removed from the board: youth mentorship.

The controversy flared when Carlsen, 34, arrived at the tournament in a pair of Italian-made Corneliani jeans, defying the event’s strict attire rules. After organizers slapped him with a $200 fine and demanded a wardrobe switch, he stood firm, opting to withdraw rather than comply. The standoff—dubbed #JeansGate by fans—prompted the International Chess Federation to ease its regulations, but Carlsen had already made his move. Now, he’s shedding the denim altogether.

Listed on eBay as size 32, regular fit, and “pre-owned but in good condition,” the jeans have ignited a bidding war among chess aficionados and curiosity seekers alike. By Friday morning, offers had climbed to $8,200, with the auction set to close on March 1. Every dollar raised will flow to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a nonprofit that pairs mentors with young people across 5,000 communities nationwide.

Artis Stevens, the organization’s president and CEO, sees a poetic symmetry in the gesture. “Chess builds critical thinking and bonds that last a lifetime—perfect tools for mentorship,” he said in a statement. The funds, he added, will fuel chess clinics, community events, and programs designed to equip kids with resilience and vision. “Magnus has dazzled us with his genius. Now, these jeans will help shape the next generation.”

What began as a clash over fabric has morphed into a masterstroke of goodwill, proving Carlsen’s knack for winning extends well beyond the 64 squares.