The lineup for the 14th edition of Norway Chess has been announced, featuring world number-one Magnus Carlsen and reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. The tournament relocates to Oslo from May 25 to June 5, 2026, maintaining its double round-robin format with Armageddon tiebreakers. This move marks a new era for the event at the Deichman Bjørvika library.
The Norway Chess tournament, Norway's premier super event, enters a new chapter with its 2026 edition shifting from Stavanger to central Oslo, near the Opera House. Scheduled from May 25 to June 5, six players will compete in a double round-robin, playing each other twice over 10 rounds. Draws in classical games lead to Armageddon deciders.
Magnus Carlsen, a seven-time winner and world number-one, headlines the open section. He will face Gukesh Dommaraju, who defeated him dramatically in 2024, prompting Carlsen's frustrated table slam that went viral. Gukesh expressed enthusiasm: "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."
Returning players include Indian GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, who finished third in 2024 and said, "I am looking forward to being back in Norway Chess, I enjoyed playing in 2024. Most exciting format I have played!" French GM Alireza Firouzja, in his fourth appearance, noted, "I’m looking forward to competing against the best chess players in the world at Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo." American GM Wesley So returns after an absence, stating, “I am delighted to be coming back to play Norway Chess… Toasting to a fun and challenging event! Skål!” Newcomer German GM Vincent Keymer, now world number-four, added, "I am looking forward to participating in my first Norway Chess event and getting the opportunity to fight for tournament victory among this elite field."
Notably absent are regulars Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana, due to calendar conflicts, as explained by CEO Kjell Madland: "It's always like that when you put together a field. It doesn't always fit for everyone."
The women's event features equal prize money to the open, with former winners Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk, plus Koneru Humpy, and newcomers Zhu Jiner, Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Divya Deshmukh. The total prize fund is 3.4 million Norwegian kroner, about $355,000, with $73,000 per winner.
Madland highlighted the venue's significance: “It’s incredibly exciting to secure one of the country’s national landmark buildings.” Plans include expanding into a festival with open events and youth activities.
