Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju is set to participate in Norway Chess 2026, joining the lineup of one of the world’s most competitive chess tournaments. Hailing from India, Gukesh made history as the youngest undisputed world champion in chess, achieving this feat at the age of 18 after winning the Candidates Tournament in 2024 and defeating then-World Champion Ding Liren.
Expressing his excitement, Gukesh mentioned, “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.” Gukesh’s remarkable journey includes milestones like becoming the youngest player to surpass the 2750 rating mark and attaining the Grandmaster title at just 12 years old, making him the third-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.
Gukesh has been a significant contributor to India’s success on the global chess stage, winning individual and team gold medals at the Chess Olympiad. Notably, at the 2025 Norway Chess event, he secured a third-place finish and achieved his first classical victory over Magnus Carlsen, a moment that garnered widespread attention for its intensity and impact on the tournament.
Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, expressed appreciation for Gukesh’s return as the reigning World Champion, acknowledging India’s emergence as a powerhouse in chess. With 18 of the highest-rated players in chess history having competed in Norway Chess, the event has garnered significant attention, with Garry Kasparov being the notable exception among the legendary players who have participated.
