R Praggnanandhaa’s Historic Triumph at Norway Chess 2026: From Bottom to Victory
R Praggnanandhaa Makes History at Norway Chess 2026
Oslo, Norway – In a stunning display of resilience and skill, 20-year-old Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the first Indian to secure a victory at the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 tournament. After a rocky start that saw him languishing at the bottom of the leaderboard following the sixth round, Praggnanandhaa staged an extraordinary comeback, winning four consecutive classical games to clinch the title.
The tournament culminated in a thrilling final round where Praggnanandhaa faced off against Germany’s Vincent Keymer at Oslo’s Deichman Bjørvika. The young grandmaster’s remarkable journey included victories over some of the biggest names in chess, including world no.1 Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja, and fellow Indian star D Gukesh.
In a nail-biting finale, Praggnanandhaa exhibited nerves of steel. Moments before sealing his victory against Keymer, he was seen pacing the playing area, deep in thought. “I still don’t feel like I just won. When I started feeling I was winning, I felt a lot of tension. I still am in the same zone,” he shared, reflecting on the pressure of the moment.
Praggnanandhaa’s triumph over Carlsen earlier in the tournament was particularly noteworthy, marking a double victory against the reigning champion. The young Indian’s ability to maintain composure under pressure has been a hallmark of his performance throughout the tournament.
After his victory over D Gukesh earlier in the week, Praggnanandhaa expressed his determination to rise from the bottom of the table to a title contender. “I’m happy that I’m still in the race because three days back, I was fighting for the last spot. And now I have a chance at fighting. So I’ll take it,” he said, showcasing his fighting spirit.
With a final score of 18 points, Praggnanandhaa topped the leaderboard, finishing just ahead of the USA’s Wesley So. His journey from the depths of the standings to the pinnacle of success serves as an inspiring tale for aspiring chess players around the world.
As the chess community celebrates this historic achievement, R Praggnanandhaa’s name will undoubtedly be remembered as a beacon of hope and talent in the world of chess.