Norway Chess 2026 Welcomes Alireza Firouzja, Indian Star Arjun Erigaisi Awaits Spot
The prestigious Norway Chess tournament has officially announced the inclusion of Alireza Firouzja in its lineup for the 2026 edition, set to take place in Oslo. However, India's top-ranked chess player Arjun Erigaisi has not yet been confirmed as part of the elite field, leaving fans hopeful as organizers plan to reveal one more player weekly.
Firouzja's Return to Norway Chess
Alireza Firouzja, renowned for his aggressive and thrilling playing style, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition. "I'm looking forward to competing against the best chess players in the world at Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo," he stated. Firouzja is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant talents in contemporary chess, having achieved grandmaster status at the remarkably young age of 14.
His career milestones are nothing short of historic:
- Became the youngest player ever to reach a 2800 FIDE rating.
- Crossed the 2700 rating mark at just 16 years old, demonstrating a rapid ascent to the elite level.
- Participated in the FIDE Candidates Tournament twice, first after winning the Grand Swiss in 2021 and later via the world rating list in 2024.
Firouzja is no stranger to Norway Chess, having competed in the event four times previously and securing second-place finishes in both 2020 and 2021. Tournament organizers warmly welcomed his return, with COO Benedicte Westre Skog praising his contributions. "Alireza Firouzja has been part of Norway Chess for several years and has consistently delivered performances at the very highest level. He brings intensity, ambition and world-class quality to the field. We're very pleased to welcome him back to Oslo in 2026," Skog remarked.
Strong Indian Representation at the Event
Despite Arjun Erigaisi's current absence from the confirmed list, India will be powerfully represented at Norway Chess 2026. World champion Gukesh Dommaraju and R Praggnanandhaa have already been announced as participants, joining other top players like Magnus Carlsen and Vincent Keymer.
Gukesh, who became the youngest undisputed world champion after defeating Ding Liren in 2024, shared his excitement about returning to the tournament. "I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always, and looking forward to all the exciting games," he said. Gukesh has previously enjoyed success at Norway Chess, including a memorable victory over Magnus Carlsen in 2025.
With one more player to be revealed each week, there remains a possibility for Arjun Erigaisi to secure a spot in the lineup, keeping Indian chess enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further announcements.
