Chess icon Magnus Carlsen has put to relaxation hypothesis over his participation within the upcoming Norway Chess event, with the 20-time world champion throughout codecs confirming he’ll compete within the elite occasion, which is ready to shift from its conventional base in Stavanger to Oslo.
Having by no means missed his residence event within the final 13 years, Carlsen had forged doubts over his participation this 12 months after expressing a need to progressively transfer away from classical chess. Norway Chess is a classical-format occasion and Carlsen has received it seven occasions.
“Magnus Carlsen is the primary participant to publicly affirm his participation in Norway Chess 2026. The remaining contributors will probably be introduced within the coming weeks, together with the line-up for Norway Chess Ladies,” mentioned a launch.
The announcement, nevertheless, ended all uncertainty, with the world No. 1 Carlsen, contemporary from a grand double on the World Fast and Blitz Championships in Doha, set to defend the title within the Could 25-June 5 event.
No Indian has ever received the celebrated title up to now
The event is predicted to as soon as once more see Indian gamers compete on the new venue as they appear to interrupt new floor. No Indian has ever received the celebrated title up to now.
India’s contingent within the earlier version comprised reigning world champion D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi within the Open part, and Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali within the Ladies’s part.
Each Gukesh and Humpy completed third of their respective classes final 12 months within the fields of six gamers every within the Open and Ladies’s sections,” the discharge said.
“After 13 years in Stavanger, a brand new period begins (for the event). From 2026, Norway Chess and Norway Chess Ladies will probably be held in Oslo. Since its launch in 2013, Stavanger has been residence to Norway Chess.”
Norway Chess founder and CEO Kjell Madland, who lately introduced the launch of the FIDE-approved Whole Chess World Championship Tour, mentioned Stavanger “will at all times be our chess residence and a part of our DNA” however “to additional develop Norway Chess as a world-leading event, Oslo is a pure subsequent step.”
“We see nice alternatives in establishing Norway Chess within the nation’s capital. Oslo is a global assembly place and offers us a novel alternative to succeed in a fair wider viewers, amongst spectators, companions, and new generations of chess fans,” mentioned Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.
