R Praggnanandhaa makes history, becomes first Indian to win Norwegian chess title

R Praggnanandhaa added another scintillating chapter to Indian chess history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norwegian chess title after a remarkable late surge in Oslo. The 20-year-old grandmaster sealed the crown with a final-round victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer, capping off one of the most memorable comebacks in tournament history.

Praggnanandhaa’s triumph is particularly significant given the quality of the pitch. The elite tournament featured world number one Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So and Keymer, making it one of the strongest events on the international calendar.

He defeated Firouzja at Armageddon to keep his title hopes alive, but a last-round victory by Praggnanandhaa denied the American the title. Elsewhere, Carlsen finished a challenging tournament on a high note, completing a classic double over Gukesh to overtake Keymer to secure fourth place.

Praggnanandhaa’s title challenge appeared in jeopardy midway through the event after falling behind the leaders after a series of setbacks. However, when it mattered most, he delivered a sensational turn.

HOW PRAGGNANANDHAA WON THE NORWEGIAN CHESS TITLE

Praggnanandhaa rattled off a string of crucial classic wins, including wins over Firouzja, Carlsen and Gukesh, to get back into contention heading into the final round.

His victory over Gukesh in the 9th round proved particularly decisivethey kept him within striking distance of the leaders and set up a dramatic showdown on the final day. Entering the final round, Praggnanandhaa was locked in a tense three-way battle with So and Firouzja for the title.

One of the defining features of his campaign was his dominance over Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa has beaten the Norwegian superstar twice in classical chess during the tournament, becoming only the second player after India’s legendary Viswanathan Anand to do so in a single tournament. He also became the first player to beat Carlsen twice in Classics in 2026.

This achievement further underlines the rise of Praggnanandha as one of the leading figures of the new golden generation in Indian chess. Having already qualified for the Candidates Tournament and established himself among the world’s elite, the Chennai-based youngster has now added one of the sport’s most coveted titles to his growing CV.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

June 6, 2026 01:31 IST