Magnus Carlsen's controversial jeans auctioned for Rs 3.1 million

Magnus Carlsen's controversial 'jeans' that led to his exit from the recent World Rapid Chess Championship in New York for dress code violation has been auctioned for a whopping $36,100 (approximately Rs 31.5 lakh).

The World No. 1 Chess player had listed the item on eBay, pledging the proceeds for charity. "All proceeds go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program," Carlsen posted. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an American NGO.

The Norwegian's 'game-worn' jeans had been on auction for 10 days, with initial bids in the range of $8,000-$9,000 (approximately Rs 7-8 lakh). Until two hours before closure, the highest bid was $14,100 (Rs 12.3 lakh). But the demand shot up in the final hour. The jeans made by Italian luxury brand Corneliani has a retail price range of Rs 30,000-50,000.

Carlsen was penalised for wearing 'jeans' for the FIDE event held in December. FIDE arbiters demanded that he must change before playing on, but he walked out of the event in protest saying it was a matter of principle. While their protest meant Carlsen forfeited his World Rapid title, it triggered a controversy. 

However, Carlsen had the last laugh as FIDE eventually gave in, allowing the superstar to return to the Championship to compete in the Blitz event, wearing jeans. He pulled another stunt by arriving late for his first round in the Blitz event, claiming he went shopping for a jeans. He was a minute late for the three-minute game against German Michael Bezold, but still managed to win it.

Not only did Carlsen continue playing in jeans, he broke another FIDE custom by sharing his first prize in the Blitz Championship with Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi, who played in the final.