History was created at the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Championship when for the first time in history of the tournament the title was shared. Defending champion grandmaster Magnus Carlsen opted to share the title with his Iranian opponent Ian Nepomniachtchi as no result came up after seven games. It was the reigning champion Carlsen himself who made the proposal and Nepomniachtchi agreed to it without any hesitation.
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Magnus Carlsen Creates History In New York
Magnus Carlsen suggested to Ian Nepomniachtchi to share the first place! #RapidBlitz pic.twitter.com/GILoLJai58
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 31, 2024
Magnus Carlsen ended up winning his overall eighth title of the FIDE World Blitz Championship whereas Ian Nepomniachtchi won his first. Carlsen started off the match with two wins from two games and only a draw was required for him to claim the title. However, his Iranian opponent showcased brilliant resistance and focus and won the rest two games, which tied the scores to 2.0 – 2.0. This pushed the match into a sudden death, and both players played three consecutive ties. Seeing, no winner coming out after playing three tie games in sudden death, Magnus Carlsen gave a propose to split the title which his opponent also agreed on. The information was later confirmed by FIDE as well.
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Magnus Carlsen found himself in controversy ahead of the World Blitz Championship when he was disqualified from the tournament. The reason behind the same was Carlsen’s violation of FIDE’s dress code where jeans isn’t allowed for the players during any championship. Carlsen was also fined USD 200 for his violation. The ace chess grandmaster also announced his withdrawal from the championship, however, later he came back after FIDE eased their rules.