Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa created history by becoming the first Indian player to win the prestigious Norway Chess tournament after a dramatic late surge in Oslo.
The 20-year-old secured the title with a final-round victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer, completing one of the most remarkable comeback campaigns seen in the tournament. The win capped an extraordinary run that included victories over Alireza Firouzja, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning world champion D Gukesh during the closing stages of the competition.
The elite tournament featured some of the strongest players in world chess, including Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So and Vincent Keymer.
Entering the final round, Praggnanandhaa trailed Wesley So by half a point and needed a victory to put himself in contention for the title. Playing with the white pieces against Keymer, the Indian Grandmaster capitalised on his opportunity and converted a crucial win.
The result earned Praggnanandhaa the maximum three points available and lifted his tally to 18 points, enough to secure the championship.
The tournament also witnessed Praggnanandhaa complete a rare double over Carlsen, defeating the Norwegian star twice during the event. His victories over Carlsen and Gukesh came within a four-day span, underlining the consistency of his performance against the world’s top players.
Wesley So, who entered the final day as tournament leader, drew his classical game against Alireza Firouzja. He later won the Armageddon tiebreak to collect additional points but finished second overall with 17 points.
Firouzja ended the tournament in third place with 15.5 points after a strong campaign in Oslo.
In the other final-round contest, Magnus Carlsen defeated world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in their classical encounter. Carlsen pressed throughout a lengthy battle and finished the tournament on a winning note.
The final standings saw Praggnanandhaa finish first with 18 points, followed by Wesley So on 17 and Alireza Firouzja on 15.5.
The achievement drew congratulations from across the country, including Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who praised the young Grandmaster for his historic accomplishment.
In a post on X, Adani wrote: “Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament – one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess. To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable feat. But what makes it even more special is the spirit with which Pragg plays. Fearless – Focused – Deeply Indian. @rpraggnachess, you represent the confidence of a rising, youthful India. The entire nation is incredibly proud of you, Pragg.”
Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament – one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess.
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) June 6, 2026
To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable… pic.twitter.com/Cm8hncebV5
Praggnanandhaa’s victory adds another major milestone to Indian chess and further strengthens India’s growing presence at the highest level of the sport. At just 20 years of age, the Chennai-born Grandmaster has already established himself among the world’s elite players, and his triumph in Norway marks one of the biggest achievements of his career to date.
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