 "Magnus Carlsen didn't forget to take a jibe at FIDE while announcing him joining esports giant, Team Liquid. Image: Team Liquid on X")
Magnus Carlsen has hit back at the International Chess Federation, FIDE, once again, but subtly with his explosive comments in a video announcing him joining the esports giant, Team Liquid. The world’s No.1 chess player Carlsen will be joined by world number two Fabiano Caruana at Team Liquid for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC).
In the announcement video, Carlsen is seen sitting down for an interview wearing jeans under his jacket. Before taking his seat on the sofa, he asks the interviewer, “Do I have to change?” To this, the interviewer replies, “Don’t worry, we’re pretty chill in esports. Welcome to Team Liquid.”
Carlsen vs FIDE battle explained
Carlsen’s opening comments seem like a subtle dig at FIDE, the World Chess Federation, with whom he has been at odds for some time. While his major disagreement with FIDE revolves around the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, tensions worsened when the 34-year-old Grandmaster was disqualified from the FIDE World Rapid Championship in New York late last year for wearing jeans.
Carlsen turned up in jeans on Day 2 of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships following which he was asked to change to formal and was slapped with a fine of $200. He refused to change his jeans immediately, leading to his expulsion.
Carlsen later agreed to play in the World Blitz Championship after FIDE relaxed the rules on jeans and went on to share the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi in a controversial manner.
Carlsen and FIDE have recently been at odds over the Freestyle Chess Tour’s plans to use “World Championship” for its event. However, after a prolonged dispute with FIDE, the term has been dropped by the Freestyle Chess Tour , which is co-owned by Carlsen.
Carlsen joins Team Liquid for Esports World Cup 2025
Meanwhile, Carlsen joining Team Liquid has given the franchise a big boost ahead of the Esports World Cup 2025. The Esports World Cup 2025 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 31 July to 3 August.
Apart from Carlsen and Caruana joining Team Liquid, Arjun Erigaisi (Gen.G) , Ding Liren (LGD Gaming), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Team Vitality) and Volodar Murzin (All Gamers Global) have also been signed by other esports teams.
“We’ve signed the greatest chess player of all time in Magnus, and I could not be more thrilled. This is the biggest signing in Team Liquid’s history and a dream player for any team,” said Steve Arhancet, co-CEO of Team Liquid. “There aren’t many athletes who transcend their game the way Magnus does. He is in a class all to himself, and we’re honored that he has chosen us as his home in chess’ esports era.”
Carlsen said joining Team Liquid is a perfect fit given the stature of both parties in their respective fields.
“It is so exciting to be a part of what I believe is the biggest and best esports team in the world. As one of the biggest names in chess myself, partnering up with the best team and a fun brand is a perfect fit,” he said.
Carlsen recently finished third in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour Stage 1 in Germany.