Gukesh and Wesley So score key classical victories

May 31, 2026 – Round five of Norway Chess 2026 produced another dramatic day of fighting chess in Oslo, with two decisive classical games and a crucial Armageddon victory that further tightened the race for first place. One of the key results came when World Champion GukeshDommaraju defeated PraggnanandhaaRameshbabu in a tense all-Indian encounter. Praggnanandhaa held the initiative for much of the game before Gukesh seized his opportunity in the later stages.

Under increasing pressure and time trouble, Praggnanandhaa was unable to hold the position, allowing the World Champion to convert his advantage and secure the victory. Wesley So claimed an important victory over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The game developed into a long strategic struggle before So gradually gained the upper hand in the endgame. Despite Carlsen’s efforts to defend tenaciously, the American grandmaster maintained control and converted confidently to score a valuable classical win. The remaining classical game between tournament leader Alireza Firouzja and Vincent Keymer ended in a draw. Firouzja later prevailed in the Armageddon game to collect the extra points and strengthen his position at the top of the standings.

Divya takes the lead at Norway Chess Women Norway Chess Women delivered another tense round in Oslo, featuring one decisive classical result and two games that moved on to Armageddon.

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28 May, Oslo- Round three of Norway Chess 2026 produced another dramatic day of fighting chess in Oslo, featuring a major upset and tense battles across the boards. The headline result came when Indian star PraggnanandhaaRameshbabu defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in classical chess. Praggnanandhaa gradually outplayed Carlsen in a long game and appeared to be in control for much of the encounter. However, the momentum shifted in severe time trouble, where Carlsen managed to seize the advantage.

Moments later, the Norwegian star made a decisive mistake of his own under pressure and resigned immediately, conceding the win. World Champion GukeshDommaraju and tournament leader Alireza Firouzja played a hard-fought classical draw after a tense encounter. Firouzja later prevailed in the Armageddon game to secure the additional points and maintain his strong start to the tournament.

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Firouzja extends lead after second straight victory

27 May, Oslo- Round two of Norway Chess 2026 once again delivered tense battles and fighting chess in Oslo. The only decisive classical game of the day came when Alireza Firouzja defeated Indian star PraggnanandhaaRameshbabu in a complex struggle. Firouzja gradually increased the pressure out of the middlegame and converted his advantage with confident play to secure his second consecutive classical victory of the tournament. The highly anticipated clash between World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and German No. 1 Vincent Keymer ended in a draw after a fascinating battle.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess

Norway Chess 2026

Carlsen appeared to be pressing for much of the game and entered the endgame with a small advantage. However, Keymer defended tenaciously from a difficult position and managed to hold the draw. Carlsen later prevailed in the Armageddon game to secure the extra points. The remaining classical game between Wesley So and World Champion GukeshDommaraju also ended in a hard-fought draw after a long strategic battle. Wesley So went on to win the Armageddon game, collecting the additional points. Following the second round, Firouzja extended his lead in the standings after scoring back-toback classical wins.

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Firouzja shocks Carlsen in opening round

26 May, Oslo-  Norway Chess 2026 began with an action-packed first round in Oslo, featuring decisive games, tense endgames, and dramatic moments across both tournaments. The headline result of the day came when Alireza Firouzja defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in classical chess. Carlsen appeared comfortable for much of the encounter, but in severe time trouble he made a decisive error that allowed Firouzja to seize the initiative.

Image Credit: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza or Norway Chess / Signator

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World champion says his “job is to play chess” ahead of two scheduled clashes with Carlsen; Haaland investment and Rouda Al Serkal’s recent participation add Gulf relevance to elite tournament

Oslo, May 25: As the curtains rise on Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo today, much of the spotlight will fall on the simmering rivalry between reigning world champion D Gukesh and home favourite Magnus Carlsen — a contest that has already added fresh drama to one of chess’ most prestigious events.

Players gather ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of Norway Chess at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo on Monday. The world’s top men and women players will compete in the tournament from May 2

( Image Credit: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza or Norway Chess / Signator)

Tournament organisers confirmed on Sunday the dates Gukesh and former world champion Carlsen will twice meet during the tournament — first in Round 4 on May 28 and again in Round 10 on June 5.

The anticipation stems from last year’s dramatic encounter when Carlsen famously banged the table in frustration after losing to the Indian teenager.

Magnus Carlsen and reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju during the Norway Chess 2026 pre-tournament press conference at Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo on Sunday evening

( Image Credit: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza or Norway Chess / Signator)

Asked ahead of this year’s event whether he expected another explosive reaction from the Norwegian icon, Gukesh smiled before offering a measured response.

Continue reading Gukesh-Carlsen rivalry reignites as Norway Chess gets underway in Oslo →