Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has confirmed his participation in the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, marking his third appearance at the prestigious event. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Oslo from May 25 to June 5, 2026.
Praggnanandhaa, a rising star in the chess world, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the tournament. "Looking forward to being back in Norway Chess, I enjoyed playing in 2024. Most exciting format I have played!" he stated.
Benedicte Westre Skog, the Chief Operating Officer of Norway Chess, also commented on Praggnanandhaa's return. "Praggnanandhaa delivered some memorable moments at Norway Chess in 2024, and it's great to welcome him back," she said. Skog further emphasized Praggnanandhaa's consistency and ambition, noting that these qualities make him an exciting player for fans and competitors alike. "We're looking forward to seeing what he brings to the tournament in 2026," she added.
Praggnanandhaa's chess journey has been marked by several significant achievements. He became a Grandmaster at the young age of 12 years and 10 months. Earlier, he gained global recognition as the youngest International Master in history. Furthermore, he became the youngest player to reach a FIDE World Cup final, securing a spot in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. In 2024, he also achieved his first classical victory against Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess. The same year, he contributed to India's gold medal-winning team at the Chess Olympiad.
His consistent performances have propelled him to a career-high world ranking of number four, with a peak rating of 2785.
Norway Chess is undergoing a change in venue, moving from Stavanger to Oslo for the 2026 edition. The tournament will be held at the Deichman Bjørvika Public Library. Magnus Carlsen has also confirmed his participation in Norway Chess 2026.
