Sefie With Magnus Carlsen Costs Chess Player Her Phone! Here’s Why

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 08:02 IST

Magnus Carlsen agrees to pregame selfie with opponent Alua Nurman at Grenke Chess Festival, her phone is confiscated under FIDE rules, Carlsen continues winning run

Alua Nurman taking a selfie with Magnus Carlsen before their match (X/@ChessbaseIndia – Screeengrab)

A dramatic and slightly unusual moment occurred on the second day of the Grenke Chess Festival Freestyle Open, involving world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Just before the start of his second-round game in Karlsruhe, Germany, Carlsen’s opponent, Kazakhstan Woman Grandmaster Alua Nurman, approached him and asked for a selfie.

Carlsen politely agreed and posed for the picture, but immediately informed one of the tournament arbiters about the situation.

Watch:

In accordance with the rules, Nurman’s phone was promptly taken away, and the game began shortly afterwards without further delay. Under FIDE regulations, players are not allowed to carry or use electronic devices such as smartphones during games unless they have special permission. Even if phones are brought to the venue, they must be switched off and kept in bags, which players cannot access without approval.

This Has Happened Before

This is the second such incident involving Magnus Carlsen at the same tournament in just a year. During the 2025 edition, French Grandmaster Etienne Bacrot also took a selfie with him. Carlsen agreed on that occasion as well, but Bacrot’s phone was later confiscated by the arbiter.

That year also featured another unusual moment when Carlsen complained that his opponent, Victor Mikhalevski, was wearing a wristwatch he found distracting. Following his complaint, the watch was eventually removed.

After her game, Nurman explained that Bacrot’s selfie the previous year had inspired her. She said, “Last year, Etienne Bacrot also took a selfie. I thought like, why not? I’m very grateful that Magnus agreed to this”.

Carlsen, a five-time world champion, remains in strong form. He won last year’s tournament with a perfect 9/9 score and has continued his winning run this year with victories over multiple opponents, including Nurman.

Read More