Praggnanandhaa Creates History as First Indian to Win Norway Chess Championship
Indian chess star R Praggnanandhaa has made history by winning the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 title in Oslo, becoming the first Indian ever to claim the championship.
Prasanth Subramani
Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa has scripted history by winning the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 title, becoming the first Indian player ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
The tournament was held in Oslo from May 25 to June 5 and featured some of the world's strongest chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh D, Vincent Keymer, and Praggnanandhaa.
In the decisive tenth and final round, Praggnanandhaa faced Germany's Vincent Keymer in a high-pressure encounter. Delivering a brilliant performance, the Indian grandmaster secured victory and finished the tournament with 18 points, enough to clinch the championship title.
The triumph marks a historic milestone for Indian chess, as no Indian player had previously won the Norway Chess tournament since its inception. Praggnanandhaa's achievement further cements his status as one of the brightest stars in world chess.
Earlier in the tournament, the Chennai-born grandmaster also registered a notable victory over fellow Indian star Gukesh, a result that proved crucial in the championship race.
Praggnanandhaa's success in Oslo adds another major accomplishment to his rapidly growing career and highlights India's continued rise as a global powerhouse in chess. His victory against a world-class field has earned widespread praise from chess enthusiasts and sports fans across the country.
With this historic title, Praggnanandhaa has once again demonstrated his ability to compete and succeed against the very best players in the world, bringing pride to India and inspiring a new generation of chess players.
