R Praggnanandhaa scripts history, becomes first Indian to triumph Norway Chess title

PTC News Desk: R Praggnanandhaa scripted a historic achievement for Indian chess by becoming the first player from the country to capture the prestigious Norway Chess title. The 20-year-old Grandmaster completed a stunning turnaround in Oslo, clinching the championship with a decisive final-round win over Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

The victory carries added weight considering the strength of the competition. The tournament featured some of the biggest names in world chess, including World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, reigning world champion D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So and Keymer. Wesley So stayed in contention by defeating Firouzja in an Armageddon playoff, but Praggnanandhaa’s crucial final-round success ensured the title remained out of the American’s reach. Meanwhile, Carlsen ended a difficult campaign on a positive note by completing a classical-game double over Gukesh and moving past Keymer to finish fourth.

A standout aspect of Praggnanandhaa’s title-winning run was his exceptional record against Carlsen. The Indian star defeated the Norwegian icon twice in classical games during the event, becoming only the second player after Viswanathan Anand to achieve that feat in a single tournament. He also became the first player to beat Carlsen twice in classical chess in 2026.

The triumph is another milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s rapid rise at the highest level of the sport. Already established among the world’s top players and a qualified contender for the Candidates Tournament, the Chennai-born Grandmaster has now added one of chess’s most prestigious titles to an already impressive list of achievements.