4 min readDec 27, 2025 10:49 PM IST
First published on: Dec 27, 2025 at 09:14 PM IST
The World Rapid and Blitz Championship is no stranger to controversy. From the “jeansgate” saga to the shared Blitz title, a common thread runs through it all: Magnus Carlsen. The 18-time World Champion across all formats, who famously, or perhaps infamously, banged the table after losing to India’s D. Gukesh earlier this year in Norway, was seen losing his temper once again at the 2025 edition in Doha.
The incident occurred after Carlsen was outplayed by Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev in the seventh round of the Rapid section, marking Carlsen’s first loss of the event. Following the defeat, the Norwegian shook hands to concede, grabbed his blazer, and began storming off. As he walked away, a FIDE photographer approached for a close-up shot. Just as the photographer neared him, Carlsen angrily shoved the camera aside and exited the playing hall.
WATCH: Magnus Carlsen shoves camera
Carlsen is known to give reactions which often stir the realm of sport. A strong emotional reaction from Carlsen, where he smashed his fist on the table after losing to Gukesh, was one such example. That incident had made global headlines and became on the most memed and parodied incidents in the sport. Carlsen was livid because he had lost a winning position in a couple of moves to the 19-year-old from India who currently occupies the world champion’s throne, which was so willingly vacated by Carlsen two years ago.
Magnus Carlsen smashes his fist on the table after losing to world chess champion Gukesh at Norway Chess. (PHOTO: Norway Chess via Michal Walusza)
Besides the fist smash, World No. 1 Carlsen has now been involved in a few confrontations with FIDE, most recently over the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour and wearing jeans at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in December last year.
Carlsen was also asked before the World Rapid and Blitz if there would be more controversy at this year’s FIDE World Rapid and Blitz, like last year’s jeansgate.
“I’m sure that there will be incidents because there always are at the World Rapid and Blitz. I hope I’m not going to be part of it this time. That’s what I can say,” he added.
Bad boy of chess
After the table-smashing incident in Norway, Carlsen was asked if he was the bad boy of chess, and he replied, “I don’t aspire to be a bad boy. Sometimes, I think I’m in a position, compared to some of my peers, where I can afford not to take shit. But honestly like those moments I had, like banging the table, like I’m generally not going to apologize for outbursts in the moment, as long as you realize afterwards and you show your opponent the proper respect.”
“Obviously I wish I could have avoided that by winning the game itself, but I honestly think that there should be room for that in chess as well. It’s a little bit like smashing your racket in tennis. Chess is such an uptight sport to begin with, that (showing emotions) I think it’s okay.”
Magnus Carlsen shoves a camera after losing a game at World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha. (Screengrab/Instagram - ChessbaseIndia) 
Magnus Carlsen smashes his fist on the table after losing to world chess champion Gukesh at Norway Chess. (PHOTO: Norway Chess via Michal Walusza)
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