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Norway Chess Moves to Oslo in 2026, Magnus Carlsen Confirms Participation

The Norway Chess tournament is relocating from Stavanger to Oslo starting in 2026, ending a thirteen-year chapter. The event, including the Norway Chess Women's tournament, will be held at the Deichman Bjørvika library from May 25 to June 5. World champion Magnus Carlsen, a seven-time winner of the event, is the first player to confirm his participation. Tournament organizers express gratitude to Stavanger while highlighting Oslo's potential to attract a broader global audience and new partners.

Key Points: Norway Chess Moves from Stavanger to Oslo for 2026

  • Tournament moves after 13 years in Stavanger
  • Deichman Bjørvika to be main venue
  • Magnus Carlsen first confirmed player
  • Aims to reach wider international audience
  • Norway Chess Women features equal prizes
3 min read

Norway Chess moves to Oslo in 2026

The prestigious Norway Chess tournament relocates to Oslo's Deichman Bjørvika in 2026, with Magnus Carlsen confirmed to play. New era begins.

"We see great opportunities in establishing Norway Chess in the nation's capital. - Benedicte Westre Skog"

Oslo, January 13

After thirteen years in Stavanger, a new era begins for one of the world's most prestigious chess tournaments. From 2026, Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women will be held in Oslo, with Deichman Bjørvika serving as the main venue, according to a press release. The tournament will take place from 25 May to 5 June 2026, and Magnus Carlsen is among the world stars heading to the capital. Since its launch in 2013, Stavanger has been home to Norway Chess. The city has given the event a strong identity and helped make the tournament a highlight on the international chess calendar.

"Norway Chess would not have become the event it is today without the cross-party political support and the generous welcome we have received in Stavanger. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the City of Stavanger, which has stood by us all the way, especially in the development of Norway Chess Women, a pioneering women's tournament with equal prize conditions. We also want to thank our local sponsors and the incredible volunteers. Together you have written a chapter of Norwegian sporting history," says Kjell Madland, founder and CEO of Norway Chess. The move to Oslo marks the start of a new chapter. Deichman Bjørvika will host both Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women. "We see great opportunities in establishing Norway Chess in the nation's capital. Oslo is an international meeting place and gives us a unique opportunity to reach an even wider audience, among spectators, partners, and new generations of chess enthusiasts," says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.

"Stavanger will always be our chess home and part of our DNA. To further develop Norway Chess as a world-leading tournament, Oslo is a natural next step. We look forward to bringing our Rogaland heritage into a new setting," added Madland. Deichman Bjørvika looks forward to welcoming the world's leading chess players.

"We are proud that Deichman Bjørvika will host Norway Chess 2026. The library is a venue for many activities and experiences, and we are now looking forward to filling the building

with chess players, spectators, and curious visitors. We also hope many people take the opportunity to borrow a good chess book or two," says Merete Lie, Head Librarian at Deichman Bjorvika.

Magnus Carlsen is the first player to publicly confirm his participation in Norway Chess 2026. The remaining participants will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the line-up for Norway Chess Women. Norway Chess will be held for the 14th time, and Norway Chess Women for the 3rd time. Carlsen has taken part in every edition and has won seven of them.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Moving to the capital makes sense for wider reach. It's similar to how major Indian tournaments often shift between metros. The focus on the women's tournament with equal prize money is the real highlight here. More power to them!
R
Rohit P
Stavanger did a fantastic job for 13 years. Must be bittersweet for the locals there. Reminds me of how some iconic cricket venues in India have lost Tests to bigger cities. Hope Oslo lives up to the legacy.
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Ananya R
"Borrow a good chess book or two" – love that touch from the librarian! Promoting the game at the grassroots level is so important. We need more such initiatives in our public libraries and schools.
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Karthik V
While the move is probably good for the tournament's profile, I do feel a bit for Stavanger. Sometimes these "global" moves can make an event lose its original charm and local connection. Hope they keep that Rogaland heritage alive as promised.
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Priya S
Seven wins out of thirteen for Carlsen? That's just insane dominance. Wishing the very best for the tournament in its new home. The chess scene in India is booming, and seeing such well-organized events abroad sets a high standard for us to follow.

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