R Praggnanandhaa Stuns Magnus Carlsen to Claim Norway Chess Title in Historic Upset
R Praggnanandhaa Stuns Magnus Carlsen to Claim Norway Chess Title
In a breathtaking turn of events at the Norway Chess tournament, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defied the odds to clinch the prestigious title, marking only the second time in eight years that World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has lost his crown. The tournament, held in Oslo, witnessed Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable comeback as he surged from the bottom of the standings to the top, winning his final four matches.
Carlsen, who faced defeat against Praggnanandhaa in both encounters, praised the young prodigy for his clutch performances. “He won the last four classical games. That’s as clutch as it gets. Pragg is an incredible fighter, and it is fun to see him get rewarded for that,” Carlsen remarked, acknowledging the intensity and skill displayed by the 17-year-old.
A Historic Victory
Praggnanandhaa’s journey to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. After struggling at the bottom of the six-man standings with four rounds remaining, he turned the tide, showcasing his resilience and strategic prowess. His final match against Vincent Keymer sealed his fate as the first Indian to win the annual competition in Oslo, a feat that has eluded many.
This victory also places Praggnanandhaa in an elite group, becoming only the second player to prevent Carlsen from winning the tournament in the last eight years, following American GM Hikaru Nakamura’s achievement in 2023. Notably, he is the first player since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to defeat Carlsen twice in a single tournament.
Carlsen Reflects on the Competition
Carlsen expressed admiration for Praggnanandhaa’s performance, stating, “That’s pretty insane! It just shows that it would have been possible for me as well with a similar finish.” His reflections highlight the unpredictable nature of chess, where even the most seasoned players can face unexpected challenges.
As for Praggnanandhaa, this victory stands as one of the most significant milestones in his burgeoning career. Meanwhile, fellow Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh struggled throughout the tournament, finishing last in the six-man field.
Looking Ahead
With this historic win, R Praggnanandhaa has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also set the stage for a promising future. As the chess community celebrates this remarkable achievement, all eyes will be on the young Grandmaster as he continues to rise in the ranks of the chess world.
First Published: June 07, 2026, 07:24 IST