DOHA: Magnus Carlsen pushed away a camera after losing to Vladislav Artemiev at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Qatar, the latest example of the former world champion letting his vexation boil over.
Carlsen, world champion between 2013 and 2023, had a frustrating second day at the championships in Doha on Saturday, splitting a point with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave before he was beaten by Artemiev.
When a photographer followed as Carlsen stormed out of the venue, the Norwegian pushed away the camera.
Carlsen attracted attention for slamming his fist on the table after losing to world champion Gukesh Dommaraju at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament.
Also last year, he briefly quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York when governing body FIDE barred him from a round for wearing jeans.
FIDE does not plan any action against Carlsen for Saturday’s outburst but will review the incident if a complaint is launched, CEO Emil Sutovsky told Reuters.
Despite his defeat, Carlsen is still in contention for the title at the championships and sits in joint second with seven points alongside Alexey Sarana, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
Artemiev and Hans Niemann share the lead in the open category on 7.5.
Irate Carlsen pushes away camera after World Blitz Championships loss
https://arab.news/muyxe
Irate Carlsen pushes away camera after World Blitz Championships loss
- Carlsen, world champion between 2013 and 2023, had a frustrating second day at the championships in Doha on Saturday
2026 PFL MENA season to kick off in Saudi Arabia
- Eastern Province’s Ahmed Albrahim set to make highly anticipated professional debut in Alkhobar
- Bahraini MMA star Hamza Kooheji enters 2026 featherweight tournament for his PFL MENA bow
ALKHOBAR: The Professional Fighters League today announced that the 2026 PFL MENA tournament will kick off on May 8 at Dhahran Expo, Alkhobar, showcasing the best mixed martial arts talent from across the Middle East and North Africa.
The third season of the tournament will feature the best fighters in the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions, alongside a slate of high-profile showcase bouts.
Headlining the opening card will be Salah Eddine Hamli, the reigning 2025 PFL MENA lightweight champion. Hamli’s championship pedigree and growing fanbase make him a centerpiece of PFL MENA’s continued growth.
Ahmed Albrahim will make his long-awaited professional debut in a featured welterweight bout. A native of the Eastern Province, Al-Ibrahim will turn pro at home — a key reason the PFL selected the region to host the season three opener.
His debut represents a milestone moment for local MMA and underscores PFL MENA’s mission to create pathways for homegrown talent to shine on a global stage.
Bahrain’s MMA legend Hamza Kooheji will compete in the featherweight tournament and make his promotional debut on the card. He is one of Bahrain’s most accomplished and recognized fighters.
“We are committed to building PFL MENA where the passion for MMA is strongest,” said Jerome Mazet, general manager of PFL MENA.
“Between Salah’s return, Ahmed making his professional debut in front of his home crowd, and the opportunity to welcome Bahraini fans supporting Hamza Kooheji, this event represents everything PFL MENA stands for: regional pride, elite competition, and unforgettable moments.”
Tickets are on sale from the evening of Feb. 12 and additional fights and event details will be announced in the coming weeks.
