Germany's top chess player, Vincent Keymer, has been announced as a participant for the 2026 Norway Chess tournament, joining Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa. The event, set for May 25 to June 5 in Oslo, continues to build an elite field without including world champion D Gukesh. Keymer's rapid rise to world number four highlights his growing prominence in international chess.
Norway Chess, one of the premier events in the chess calendar, has revealed Vincent Keymer as its latest participant for the 2026 edition. The German grandmaster, currently ranked world number four, will make his debut at the tournament, adding to an already strong lineup that includes Magnus Carlsen and India's R Praggnanandhaa. Notably absent from the announcements so far is D Gukesh, the reigning world champion.
Keymer has experienced a remarkable ascent in the past year, climbing from world number 20 in January 2025 to number four by January 2026, gaining over 40 rating points. His achievements include a runner-up finish at the 2022 FIDE World Rapid Championship, solidifying his status among the global elite. "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," Keymer said in a press release.
The tournament organizers expressed enthusiasm about Keymer's inclusion. Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, stated: "As Germany's number one and a first-time participant at Norway Chess, Vincent brings fresh energy and added competitiveness to an already strong field. It's great to welcome a German player to the tournament, and we hope chess fans in Germany will follow his participation in Oslo."
Scheduled from May 25 to June 5, 2026, at Deichman Bjorvika in Oslo, Norway Chess features a unique 6-player double round-robin format. The event has also committed to gender equality, introducing Norway Chess Women in 2024 with equal prize funds for men and women. Keymer's participation underscores the tournament's role in showcasing the new generation of chess talent.
