Praggnanandhaa scripts history, becomes first Indian to clinch Norway Chess title

In a major development, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has scripted history and become the first Indian in history to win the Norway Chess title. He defeated Vincent Keymer and completed a stunning run of four classical wins to bring the tournament to an end. 

Wesley So finished in second place after he defeated Alireza Firouzja in Armageddon, and it is worth noting that Wesley would have taken the title if not for Pragg’s win. Praggnanandhaa finished with a brilliant 12/12 point finish, which saw him clinch the title for his name. 

France’s



Alireza Firouzja finished in third place in the tournament, whereas Magnus Carlsen finished in fourth. The Norway Chess 2026 would be remembered for a set of brilliant comebacks by the Indian grandmaster. By the time the sixth round was done, Praggnanandhaa found himself at the bottom with just six points to his name. 

At that point, he had suffered defeats against Gukesh and Wesley in consecutive games and looked set for another underwhelming campaign. However, he then went on to collect four straight classical wins, claiming the double against Magnus Carlsen in the process as well.