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World Champion Gukesh Returns to Norway Chess 2026 in Historic Title Defense

Reigning World Champion Gukesh D will compete at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in 2026. The Indian prodigy, who became the youngest undisputed champion in history at 18, has a history of success at the event, including a famous 2025 victory over Magnus Carlsen. Tournament organizers highlight his participation as a major draw, reflecting India's rise as a chess superpower. Fans worldwide are anticipated to follow his title defense in Oslo closely.

Key Points: Gukesh to Play Norway Chess 2026 as Reigning World Champion

  • Youngest undisputed World Champion
  • Won 2024 Candidates & defeated Ding Liren
  • Historic 2750 rating at youngest age
  • Won gold at 2022 & 2024 Chess Olympiad
  • First classical win over Magnus Carlsen in 2025
2 min read

'The' World Champion returns: D Gukesh to play Norway Chess 2026

Reigning and youngest-ever World Chess Champion Gukesh D confirms his participation in the elite Norway Chess 2026 tournament in Oslo.

"I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always - Gukesh D"

Stavanger, February 3

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju will compete at Norway Chess 2026, taking his place in the field at one of the world's strongest chess tournaments. The Indian star comes to Oslo as the youngest undisputed World Champion in the history of the game, according to a release.

"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," says Gukesh D.

In 2024, Gukesh D won the Candidates Tournament before defeating then-World Champion Ding Liren, securing the world title at just 18 years old. His rapid rise includes several historic milestones, among them becoming the youngest player ever to cross the 2750 rating mark and earning the Grandmaster title at the age of 12, the third-youngest in chess history.

He has also been a key part of India's recent success on the international stage. At the Chess Olympiad, he won individual gold on board one in 2022, followed by both team gold and individual gold on board one in 2024.

Norway Chess has already featured defining moments in Gukesh D's career. At the 2025 edition, he finished third and claimed his first classical victory over Magnus Carlsen in a dramatic game that sparked the widely shared table-slam moment and quickly became one of the tournament's most talked-about encounters.

"Having Gukesh D return to Norway Chess as reigning World Champion is something we truly value," says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, adding, "India has become one of the strongest chess nations in the world today, and we know many fans will be following Gukesh D closely. We hope chess audiences across India will tune in as he competes in Oslo in 2026."

With Gukesh D returning to Norway Chess in 2026 as reigning World Champion, the tournament once again brings together players at the very highest level of the game.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a chess fan from the US, it's incredible to watch this new generation. Gukesh's calm demeanor at the board, especially after that famous table-slam game, shows incredible mental strength. Norway Chess 2026 just became a must-watch event.
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Vikram M
The fact that he's the *youngest undisputed World Champion ever* still gives me goosebumps. We are witnessing history. His victory over Ding Liren was a masterclass in endgame technique. Hope Doordarshan or SonyLiv picks up the broadcast rights for India.
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Rohit P
While his achievements are phenomenal, I do hope the media and sponsors give him some breathing room. The pressure on a young champion in India can be immense. Let's support him without burdening him with unrealistic expectations every single tournament.
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Priya S
His success, along with Pragg and Vaishali, has truly made chess cool again in schools here! My son now wants to join a chess club instead of just playing video games. That's the real victory. All the best, Gukesh! Make us proud.
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Michael C
The table-slam moment against Carlsen is iconic. It showed the fire beneath his calm exterior. Norway Chess is the perfect arena for these rivalries. The 2026 field is going to be stacked. An exciting time for chess globally.

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