R Praggnanandhaa Makes History as First Indian to Win Norway Chess 2026

by Devansh Singh - 05/06/2026

R Praggnanandhaa created history after winning the Norway Chess 2026. In the final round, Praggnanandhaa defeated Vincent Keymer with the white pieces to win the title. Pragg scored 4 consecutive classical wins to finish the tournament. Norway Chess 2026 was one of the strongest tournaments of the year. According to the numbers, it was even stronger than the candidates. It was one of the biggest achievements of Pragg's career as he became the 1st Indian to win Norway Chess. Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

The Winstreak

In the first 6 games, Praggnanandhaa lost 3 classical games, and Wesley So was clearly leading the field. After that, he won his 7th round against Alireza Firouzja, then Magnus Carlsen, then World Champion D Gukesh, and finally won on demand against Vincent Keymer in the final round. Wesley So drew his final game against Alireza Firouzja, which helped Pragg win the title.

Norway Chess 2026 Champion: R Praggnanandhaa | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

R Praggnanandhaa vs Vincent Keymer

The game between Praggnanandhaa and Vincent was very important for the standings. Wesley So was leading the tournament after the penultimate round. It was a must win sitaution for Pragg, and he delivered.

Position after 30.h5

This move turned out to be a huge mistake as it allowed Pragg to find a nice combination and winning material, which helped him win the game.

R Praggnanandhaa vs. Vincent Keymer (3-0) | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Check out the final game

Check out the game with commentary by IM Sagar Shah

Praggnanandhaa interacts with his fans after winning | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

As Pragg became the first Indian to win Norway Chess, fans in Oslo mobbed him as he left the venue. Excited to meet the champion, they gathered around him, and Pragg took time to interact with almost all of them. Such a lovely moment!

Fire in his eyes | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Final moments and Interview with Pragg

Magnus Carlsen defeated D Gukesh in the final round | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Check out the game with commentary by IM Sagar Shah.

Praggnandhaa on the streets of Oslo with his fans after winning Norway Chess

What a Frame

Alireza drew against Wesley So | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Replay Round 10 Games

Top 3 finishers

Check how the world reacted to Praggnanandhaa's Victory

Norway Chess Women

On the final day, Zhu Jiner defeated Koneru Humpy to finish in 2nd place. Bibisara Assaubayeva, who already won the tournament with a round to spare, lost her game against Ju Wenjun. Divya Deshmukh suffered a loss against Anna Muzychuk, and this win helped Anna to secure 3rd place.

Ju Wenjun - Bibisara Assaubayeva (3-0) | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Zhu Jiner - Koneru Humpy (3-0) | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Divya suffered a loss against Anna Muzychuk | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Top 3 finishers

Replay Final Round Games

Round 9 results

Photo Gallery: ChessBase India, Norway Chess

Housefull tournament hall on the last day | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Pragg's second GM Vaibhav Suri | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

The walk of the champion | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Pragg in the broadcast room | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Guess the opening | Photo: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Video Gallery: Here

Watch the starting moments of the 10th and final round as all the players arrive for one last day of action at Oslo!

Interview with Pragg

Live Stream

Check out the live stream of this round

Lineup

Men: Magnus Carlsen, Vincent Keymer, Wesley So, Alireza Firouzja, R Praggnanandhaa, and D Gukesh

Women: Zhu Jiner, Koneru Humpy, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Ju Wenjun, Anna Muzychuk, and Divya Deshmukh

Note: Alireza Firouzja was not present at the photoshoot because of his ankle injury | Photos: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Watch the opening ceremony of the Norway Chess 2026 as the best chess players in the world assemble for day one.

Venue: Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo!

Photo: Erik Thallaug

Schedule

Timings are 5 pm local time and 8:30 pm IST

Format

6 players will take part in the Tournament. The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon in case of a tie. The Tournament consists of 10 rounds. Berger tables will be used for the pairings. Drawing of lots will be done at the Technical Meeting. The default time is 15 minutes.

Time Control

Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes, and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.

Draw by Mutual Agreement

Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

Armageddon

If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.