Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Norway Chess 2026 will be held in Oslo from May 25 to June 5, 2026, and it will bring together some of the best chess players in the world. The event includes two tournaments: Norway Chess for men and Norway Chess Women for women. Both events follow the same format, prize money system, and playing conditions, which highlights the focus on fairness and equality.Each tournament will feature six players who will face each other twice in a double round-robin format. If a classical game ends in a draw, players will play an Armageddon game to decide a winner.
In the open category, big names like Magnus Carlsen, Vincent Keymer, Alireza Firouzja, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Gukesh Dommaraju, and Wesley So will compete. Carlsen is a multiple-time world champion and Norway Chess winner.Norway Chess 2026 – Open Category
- Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
- Vincent Keymer (Germany)
- Alireza Firouzja (France)
- Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu (India)
- Gukesh Dommaraju (India)
- Wesley So (USA)
Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh represent India’s new chess generation, with Gukesh being the current world champion. Wesley So is a consistent top player with many international titles.The women’s tournament also features a strong lineup. Zhu Jiner will make her debut after rising quickly to World No. 2. Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun will return, along with experienced stars like Humpy Koneru and Anna Muzychuk. Young talents such as Divya Deshmukh and Bibisara Assaubayeva will also compete, adding fresh energy to the event.Norway Chess Women 2026
- Zhu Jiner (China)
- Ju Wenjun (China)
- Humpy Koneru (India)
- Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine)
- Divya Deshmukh (India)
- Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan)
Norway Chess Women started in 2024 and has already become one of the most important women’s chess tournaments. With top players, equal prize money, and a unique format, Norway Chess 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting chess events of the year.
