Chess star Magnus Carlsen has had an incredibly successful career but has not always managed to stay away from controversy. The 34-year-old multi-time world champion has been the No.1 ranked chess player since 2011.
Carlsen clinched the Blitz World Championship for the eighth time on Wednesday in unexpected fashion. He now shares his title with Ian Nepomniachtchi after he offered to cut short their sudden-death tiebreak and end the final as a draw in New York. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) agreed to Carlsen's unusual request, resulting in the two finalists splitting the £72k ($90k) grand prize.
Carlsen, who also boasts five World Chess and Rapid Championship titles, is estimated to be worth £20million ($25m), according to Celebritynetworth.com . However, some grandmasters have criticised his decision to end the Blitz final in a draw.
This isn't the first time Carlsen has caused a stir in the chess world. Express Sport delves deeper into Carlsen's career and personal life. Rapid Championship withdrawal In December, Carlsen surprised fans by withdrawing halfway through the World Rapid Championship due to a disagreement with FIDE.
After playing eight of the 13 rounds, he dropped out of the tournament for refusing to change out of a pair of jeans, which violated the dress code and resulted in a £160 ($200) fine. Carlsen maintained that it was an honest mistake but chose to stand his ground. "I got a warning that I would not be paired if I did not change my clothes,.
