The prestigious Norway Chess tournament will relocate from Stavanger to Oslo for its 2026 edition. This move ends a thirteen-year run in the coastal city of Stavanger. Organizers confirmed the shift as they prepare for a fresh chapter in the event's history.
Carlsen Returns to His Home Tournament
Magnus Carlsen will participate in Norway Chess this year. The former five-time world champion has been announced as the first confirmed player for the 2026 event. Carlsen typically plays only one or two classical tournaments annually. Norway Chess remains a constant fixture in his competitive schedule.
Carlsen has competed in every single edition of Norway Chess since its inception. He has claimed victory in seven of those thirteen tournaments. His presence guarantees top-level excitement for chess fans worldwide.
A New Venue in the Capital
The 2026 Norway Chess tournament will run from May 25th to June 5th. It will be hosted at Deichman Bjørvika, a prominent public library located in Norway's capital city, Oslo. This venue change represents a significant logistical shift for the organizers.
"We see great opportunities in establishing Norway Chess in the nation's capital," stated Benedicte Westre Skog, the Chief Operating Officer of Norway Chess. "Oslo is an international meeting place. It gives us a unique opportunity to reach an even wider audience among spectators, partners, and new generations of chess enthusiasts."
Remembering the Stavanger Era
Tournament founder and CEO Kjell Madland expressed gratitude to the city of Stavanger. "Norway Chess would not have become the event it is today without the cross-party political support and the generous welcome we received in Stavanger," Madland said. He specifically thanked local sponsors and volunteers for their contributions.
Madland also highlighted the development of Norway Chess Women during the Stavanger years. This pioneering women's tournament features equal prize conditions, setting a strong precedent in the chess world.
Recent History and Future Lineups
The 2024 edition of Norway Chess saw Carlsen suffer notable losses. He was defeated by Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa. The 2025 tournament is already generating buzz with a confirmed matchup between Carlsen and the current world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju.
Carlsen made headlines at last year's event following a dramatic reaction to a loss against Gukesh. His emotional display, including a fist smash on the board, captured global attention.
Organizers will announce the remaining participants for the 2026 tournament in the coming weeks. The lineup for the Norway Chess Women's event will also be revealed shortly. The shift to Oslo marks the beginning of a new and exciting era for one of the world's strongest classical chess competitions.
