In a remarkable achievement, Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa clinched the Norway Chess 2026 title, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious tournament. The 20-year-old from Chennai staged a stunning comeback, defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice and securing victories over reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh and Germany's Vincent Keymer.
Praggnanandhaa's journey to the title was marked by resilience, as he began the second half of the event at the bottom of the standings. His victory not only broke new ground for Indian chess but also fulfilled a personal ambition of triumphing over Carlsen. The tournament win is a significant milestone in his career, especially after a challenging period in late 2025 and early 2026.
The young Grandmaster credited his support team, including mentor Grandmaster Vaibhav Suri and trainer RB Ramesh, for their unwavering support. He also expressed gratitude to his sponsors, The Adani Group, for their consistent backing. Praggnanandhaa's sister, Vaishali's success in the Women's Candidates, served as an inspiration during his own setbacks.
“Winning ahead of Magnus is something that I've always wanted.”
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Indian Grandmaster
Reflecting on his recent performances, Praggnanandhaa noted an improvement in his play since the Wijk Aan Zee tournament earlier this year. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and not being overly focused on the next Candidates cycle.
Praggnanandhaa plans to rest and prepare for the upcoming FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. He anticipates a small celebration with his family upon returning to India.
“I felt like I was getting back to playing good-quality chess.”
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Indian Grandmaster
Background
Praggnanandhaa's victory at Norway Chess 2026 not only highlights his growing prowess on the international stage but also signals a promising future for Indian chess. As he continues to compete in upcoming tournaments, his focus remains on enjoying the game and delivering his best performance.
As Praggnanandhaa looks ahead, his immediate focus is on the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. His recent triumph has set a new benchmark for Indian chess, and his journey will be closely watched by enthusiasts and experts alike.