Magnus Carlsen confirms Norway Chess 2026 participation, event moves to Oslo

NEW DELHI: Chess great Magnus Carlsen has confirmed that he will compete in the upcoming edition of the Norway Chess tournament, putting an end to speculation surrounding his participation. The elite classical event, which Carlsen has won seven times, will move from its long-time home in Stavanger to Oslo starting next year.


Carlsen, a 20-time world champion across formats, had earlier cast doubt over his involvement after speaking about his intention to gradually step away from classical chess. Given that Norway Chess is played in the classical format and that the world No. 1 has featured in every edition of his home tournament over the past 13 years, his remarks had fuelled uncertainty around his plans.




"Magnus Carlsen is the first player to publicly confirm his participation in Norway Chess 2026. The remaining participants will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the line-up for Norway Chess Women," said a release.

The confirmation removes all ambiguity, with Carlsen — fresh from securing a remarkable double title at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha — set to defend his crown in the May 25 to June 5 tournament.

The upcoming edition is also expected to feature strong Indian representation at the new venue, as players from the country continue their push to make history at the prestigious event. No Indian player has won the Norway Chess title so far.

In the previous edition, India was represented by reigning world champion D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi in the Open section, while Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali competed in the Women’s event. Both Gukesh and Humpy finished third in their respective categories in fields of six players each.

"After thirteen years in Stavanger, a new era begins (for the tournament). From 2026, Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women will be held in Oslo. Since its launch in 2013, Stavanger has been home to Norway Chess."

Norway Chess founder and CEO Kjell Madland said that while Stavanger would always remain central to the tournament’s identity, the move to Oslo marks a step forward in its evolution. He recently announced the launch of the FIDE-approved Total Chess World Championship Tour.

Stavanger, Madland noted, "will always be our chess home and part of our DNA", but added that "to further develop Norway Chess as a world-leading tournament, Oslo is a natural next step."

"We see great opportunities in establishing Norway Chess in the nation's capital. Oslo is an international meeting place and gives us a unique opportunity to reach an even wider audience, among spectators, partners, and new generations of chess enthusiasts," said Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.