New Delhi: Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. Praggnanandhaa defeated
Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round to cap off a stunning comeback with a memorable title win. The 20-year-old started the day in the third position with 15 points, but earned a decisive classical win against Keymer to finish with 18 points and clinch the crown.
Praggnanandhaa, who defeated world no.1 Magnus Carlsen twice in the tournament, stepped up when it mattered the most to lay his hands on the elusive title, which eluded reigning world champion D Gukesh and the legendary Viswanathan Anand. The 20-year-old Grandmaster managed to win the title in only his second attempt since the tournament’s inception in 2013.
R Praggnanandhaa’s topsy-turvy run to victory at Norway Chess
Praggnanandhaa endured a topsy-turvy run to his maiden title at Norway Chess. With the tournament featuring a strong field consisting of the likes of Carslen, reigning world champion Gukesh, Wesly So, Keymer and Alireza Firouzja, among others, the 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster got off to a slow start.
He found himself trailing behind the leaders in the first half of the tournament, but bounced back strongly with a string of wins against some of the favourites to get back in contention in the second half. Praggnanandhaa defeated Firouzja, Carlsen and Gukesh to head into the final round in a strong position.
His win over compatriot Gukesh in the ninth round kept Praggnanandhaa in touching distance of the title, with So and Firouzja also in contention. The three-way battle went down to the wire, and the Indian emerged on top after beating Keymer in his final round clash.
Praggnanandhaa’s back-to-back wins against the legendary Carlsen were arguably the highlight of his stellar campaign. He defeated the Norwegian superstar in the third and the eighth rounds, respectively, becoming only the second Indian after Anand to achieve the feat in a single event. Praggnanandhaa also became the first player to beat Carlsen twice in classical games in 2026.
Meanwhile, Gukesh endured a dismal campaign in the Norway Chess 2026. He failed to secure a single win in the tournament and finished last. So bagged the second spot with 17 points, while Firouzja finished third. Carlsen completed a double over world champion Gukesh to take the 4th spot.
