World No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura has ignited a new controversy in the chess world by urging top players, including Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, to boycott FIDE, potentially putting Gukesh’s World Chess Championship title in jeopardy.
The Growing Rift Between FIDE and FCPC
The ongoing conflict between the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and Magnus Carlsen’s Freestyle Chess Players Club (FCPC) has taken a dramatic turn. In December 2024, FIDE officially recognized FCPC and its Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, which has created further tension in the global chess community.
FIDE’s recognition of FCPC came after Carlsen’s infamous “jeans scandal” during the Rapid Championship in New York, where he was fined for violating the dress code and subsequently pulled out of the tournament. Carlsen accused FIDE of threatening players that if they participated in FCPC events, they would be barred from future World Championship cycles.
Nakamura’s Call for Boycott
In January 2025, Nakamura posted a video on YouTube criticizing FIDE and encouraging top chess players to boycott the international chess body. Nakamura, a leading figure in the chess world, suggested that players could benefit more by participating in non-FIDE tournaments, such as the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour, which offers higher prize money.
Impact on Indian Grandmasters
Nakamura’s call for a boycott could have serious repercussions for Indian chess. D Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, and other top Indian players such as Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and others could potentially withdraw from official FIDE events if they align with Nakamura’s stance.
If top Indian players follow through with the boycott, Gukesh’s position as world champion could be at risk, as FIDE would not recognize any non-FIDE World Championship titles.
FIDE’s Response and Legal Implications
FIDE has responded to Nakamura’s criticism by accusing both Carlsen and Nakamura of creating divisions in the chess world. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky clarified that players, including Carlsen and Nakamura, had signed contracts agreeing not to participate in any non-FIDE World Championships for four years. Sutovsky posted on X (formerly Twitter),
“All players, including Magnus and Hikaru, signed a binding obligation to not participate in any ‘World Championship’ not approved by FIDE.”
Sutovsky’s statement suggests that if players like Gukesh choose to boycott FIDE and participate in non-recognized tournaments, FIDE may take legal action against them.
The Future of the World Chess Championship
The next World Chess Championship is set to take place in 2026, where Gukesh will defend his title against the winner of the Candidates Tournament. The growing tension between FIDE and the FCPC could lead to a reshaping of the chess landscape, with the potential for an alternative World Championship if FIDE’s hold over the sport is challenged.
Conclusion
The clash between FIDE and the Freestyle Chess Players Club (FCPC) continues to escalate, with Hikaru Nakamura’s call for a boycott sparking debates about the future of competitive chess. D Gukesh, as the current world champion, stands at the center of this controversy, and the next few months could see significant changes in the global chess ecosystem.
