Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi Share World Blitz Chess Title in Historic First

The decision to split the championship after a tied final has drawn criticism from the chess community and raised questions about competition rules.

Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi agreed to share the 2024 World Blitz Chess Championship title after tying in their final match series, marking the first shared title in over-the-board chess history.
The decision came during an indefinite sudden-death tiebreak series, with both players opting for a draw rather than continuing to compete for a single winner.
The move has sparked significant backlash from chess professionals and fans, with criticisms focused on perceived rule-breaking and the undermining of competitive integrity.
FIDE, the governing body of chess, approved the shared title, though its president Arkady Dvorkovich faced scrutiny for the decision and the lack of clear tiebreak rules.
Carlsen, who had earlier faced controversy for wearing jeans at the tournament, defended the decision as a reasonable and fair outcome, while Nepomniachtchi agreed to the arrangement without objection.