Magnus Carlsen blames opponent's wristwatch for Qatar Masters Chess event loss

Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen faced defeat in the Qatar Masters chess event, and his adversary was not a fellow grandmaster's prowess, but an unexpected opponent: a wristwatch. The 23-year-old Kazakh Grandmaster, Alisher Suleymenov, emerged victorious in a game that has the chess world buzzing, leaving Carlsen complaining on X about his opponent’s watch.

Carlsen's admission, made on X, has ignited discussions in the chess community, raising questions about the impact of external distractions in high-stake matches.

"I was completely crushed in my game today. This is not to accuse my opponent of anything, who played an amazing game and deserved to win, but honestly, as soon as I saw my opponent was wearing a watch early in the game, I lost my ability to concentrate," Carlsen wrote.

“I obviously take responsibility for my inability to deal with those thoughts properly, but it’s also incredibly frustrating to see organisers still not taking anti-cheating seriously at all (no transmission delay, spectators walking around the playing hall with smartphones),” he added.

2/2 I obviously take responsibility for my inability to deal with those thoughts properly, but it’s also incredibly frustrating to see organisers still not taking anti-cheating seriously at all (no transmission delay, spectators walking around the playing hall with smartphones)

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) October 12, 2023

He also expressed concerns about the integrity of chess competitions, particularly the lack of stringent anti-cheating measures. In a follow-up tweet, Carlsen stated, "I did ask an arbiter during the game whether watches were allowed, and he clarified that smartwatches were banned, but not analog watches. This seems to be against FIDE rules for events of this stature."

I did ask an arbiter during the game whether watches were allowed, and he clarified that smartwatches were banned, but not analog watches. This seems to be against FIDE rules for events of this stature

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— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) October 12, 2023

Carlsen's tweets garnered immense attention and stirred up conversations across the chess community and beyond, with over 4 million views and numerous comments. Some have questioned his sportsmanship, while others have raised concerns about the rules and regulations governing chess events.

One comment pondered whether Carlsen's reaction would have been the same had he been victorious, emphasizing the need for more professionalism and timely complaints in the world of chess.

“I wonder, Magnus... would you have written at all about the watch if *you* had won the game in crushing fashion? Next time, be a little more professional & sportsmanlike, and make your complaints before or during the game, not after you lose,” a comment read.

Another user wrote: “Magnus 2 years from now will be like... ‘as soon as I saw my opponent wearing glasses I resigned’.”

Many sided with the grandmaster.

“Fair enough smartphones and watches do not belong in any competitive chess playing area, it’s like driving around with a fast car on the 100 meters dash, while a human running race occurs,” read a comment.

There were memes too.

Magnus’ biggest nightmare pic.twitter.com/ubuW8oWVp8

— Washed Gamer (@MitchellRossman) October 12, 2023

Carlsen also expressed his displeasure with fellow chess player Hikaru Nakamura and tweeted a screenshot of a video posted by him, saying, "Just to be clear, I am not accusing my opponent today of cheating. Constantly using my name for clicks is fine, but this is just lame. Do better." The video was titled "Magnus LOSES and Then Accuses!?!?!"

The 32-year-old is a five-time World Chess Champion, the reigning four-time World Rapid Chess Champion and the reigning Chess World Cup Champion.