Praggnanandhaa Wins Norway Chess 2026 with a Sensational Four-Game Winning Streak
R. Praggnanandhaa produced one of the great tournament comebacks to win Norway Chess 2026, storming from the foot of the standings to the title with an astonishing streak of four consecutive classical victories. The young Indian grandmaster saved his very best for the finish, completing his run with a win over Vincent Keymer to seal a landmark triumph against the strongest field in the sport.
From Last Place to Champion
Few would have predicted the turnaround. Languishing in last place with the tournament seemingly slipping away, Praggnanandhaa reeled off four straight wins in the classical format to leapfrog the entire elite field. Crucially, he beat world number one Magnus Carlsen twice during the event and finished with a plus score against the Norwegian on his home turf — a remarkable statement from one of the game’s brightest young stars.
The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa 15 rating points and five places to world number 11, capping the best month among the world’s elite.
Carlsen and Gukesh
Despite the double defeat to Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen ended the event on a high, completing a classical double over world champion Gukesh Dommaraju to climb into fourth place. In the July 2026 FIDE ratings, Carlsen dropped 18 points but retained his position as world number one — and remains the only player rated above 2800. Wesley So, who finished runner-up in Norway, gained 12 points to rise to world number seven, while a disappointing event saw Gukesh slip 15 points.
Key Talking Points
This was a breakthrough of real significance for Praggnanandhaa, confirming his status among the very best and his growing habit of rising to the biggest occasions. Beating Carlsen twice in a single classical event is a feat few can claim, and to do so while winning the tournament from last place makes it all the more special. For Indian chess, riding a wave of talent led by Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, it is another proud milestone.
What’s Next
The elite circuit rolls straight on, with Alireza Firouzja already opening up a lead at the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia after beating Keymer and Praggnanandhaa with the black pieces. Prime Hunt Daily will keep you across the biggest results and rivalries in world chess.