R Praggnanandhaa becomes first Indian to win Norway Chess title

06-Jun-2026

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Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the prestigious Norway Chess title in 2026, becoming the first Indian to do so. After a slow start, he made a remarkable comeback with key victories over elite players including Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh, Alireza Firouzja, and Wesley So. 

His final-round win against Vincent Keymer secured the championship, denying So the title. Praggnanandhaa became the second player to beat Carlsen twice in classical games at the event and solidified his status as a rising star in global chess.