Reigning World Champion D Gukesh Dommaraju will compete at Norway Chess 2026, scheduled from May 25 to June 5 in Oslo, organisers confirmed on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old Indian star, the youngest undisputed world champion in chess history, will be part of a formidable field that includes World No.1 and defending champion Magnus Carlsen. The prestigious classical-format tournament moves from its traditional home in Stavanger to Oslo for the 2026 edition.
“I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always, and looking forward to all the exciting games,” Gukesh said in a statement released by the organisers.
Norway Chess has already played a defining role in Gukesh’s rise. At the 2025 edition, he finished third and registered his first-ever classical victory over Carlsen in a dramatic encounter that produced the now-viral table-slam moment, one of the most talked-about incidents in recent chess history.
“Having Gukesh D return to Norway Chess as reigning World Champion is something we truly value,” said Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess. “India has become one of the strongest chess nations in the world, and we know many fans will be following Gukesh closely.”
Gukesh claimed the world title in 2024 after winning the Candidates Tournament and defeating then-champion Ding Liren, achieving the feat at just 18 years of age. His rapid ascent includes becoming the youngest player to cross a 2750 rating and earning the Grandmaster title at 12, the third-youngest in history.
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The 2026 field already features several elite names. Carlsen, a seven-time Norway Chess champion, will continue his streak of appearances at his home event despite previously hinting at a gradual step back from classical chess. Fellow Indian star R Praggnanandhaa has also confirmed participation.
In the women’s event, Indian Grandmaster and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh will make her Norway Chess debut, becoming the youngest player to compete since the women’s section was launched in 2024.
No Indian player has yet won the Norway Chess title.
