FIDE CEO Rejects Hikaru Nakamura’s Allegations of Favouritism Towards Magnus Carlsen

The international chess community has found itself in the middle of controversy after American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura suggested that Magnus Carlsen was receiving favourable treatment in the upcoming Candidates Tournament. In response, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky dismissed the claims, calling them unfounded and insisting that the global chess body treats all players equally.

Nakamura, one of the strongest players in the world, had hinted that certain decisions appeared to give Carlsen an advantage. His remarks quickly gained attention online, sparking discussions among fans and experts. Many pointed out that Carlsen, being a former world champion and one of the most prominent names in chess, naturally attracts attention, but that does not necessarily mean special treatment.

Sutovsky’s clarification aimed to protect the credibility of FIDE at a time when competitive chess is experiencing growing popularity across different parts of the world, including India. With Indian players like R Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh Dommaraju making their mark internationally, controversies of this kind carry added significance for Indian fans, who closely follow the Candidates as a pathway to the world title.

Observers note that disputes over fairness are not new in professional chess. High-profile tournaments often face criticism over formats, wild card entries, or organisational choices. However, FIDE has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to transparency and fairness, urging players to focus on their performance over speculation.

For audiences in Tier 2 cities, where chess is steadily growing as a sport in schools and local academies, such debates highlight the challenges of balancing tradition, fairness, and the increasing commercial appeal of the game. While the controversy may not directly affect grassroots chess, it influences how young players view the integrity of international tournaments.

As the Candidates approaches, all eyes will remain on the board rather than the politics surrounding it. Nakamura’s allegations and FIDE’s rebuttal underline a long-standing tension between players and organisers, but the ultimate spotlight is expected to fall on the battles of strategy and skill that define the game itself.