Norway Chess 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting editions yet and will run from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger, Norway. With classical chess taking the spotlight amid the growing buzz around Freestyle Chess, the tournament promises top-tier battles and historic moments.
India has been doing well at the Norway Chess tournament in the last few years. In 2024, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa had a great performance. He beat both Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana in classical games, something no one had done before in a single tournament. It was his first time playing at Norway Chess, and he still managed to finish in third place.
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In 2023, D Gukesh also impressed everyone. He finished third too, with two wins in classical games and several wins in tiebreaks. That event was the start of his journey with coach Grzegorz Gajewski, who later helped him become the youngest world champion.
India’s chess legend Viswanathan Anand showed his class in 2022 by finishing third and even beating Carlsen in one round. In the women’s event in 2024, Vaishali Rameshbabu stood out. She beat Humpy Koneru in a classical game and ended up in fourth place.
Humpy, who is one of India’s top women players, came fifth in the event. These strong performances from Indian players show how far the country has come in world chess.
Here’s the full list of the Indian contingent who will compete at Norway Chess:
Indian participants at Norway Chess 2025
1. Gukesh Dommaraju
One of the biggest storylines of the event will undoubtedly be D Gukesh’s clash with Magnus Carlsen. This will be their first classical encounter since Gukesh was crowned World Champion earlier this year.
The 18-year-old Indian prodigy made history by becoming the youngest World Champion ever, shaking up a hierarchy long ruled by Carlsen. However, Magnus Carlsen, who opted out of defending his title, still holds the World No #1 spot (2830).
2. Arjun Erigaisi
Joining Gukesh in the men’s category is Arjun Erigaisi, one of India’s most consistent and technically sound players. Known for his maturity and calm demeanor, Arjun has beaten top-10 players before and can do it again in Stavanger.
Erigaisi earned his spot through consistent performances in elite tournaments. His presence makes India one of the few nations with two players in the men’s bracket.
3. Koneru Humpy
In the women’s section, Koneru Humpy brings experience and class. With a career that includes multiple medals, a FIDE Women’s Grand Prix win, Humpy remains one of the most respected figures in women’s chess. She is a two-time World Rapid Champion who became the country’s first female Grandmaster in 2002.
Humpy will go up against top competition like:
- Ju Wenjun (Women’s World Champion)
- Lei Tingjie
- Anna Muzychuk
- Pia Cramling
4. Vaishali Rameshbabu
Vaishali Rameshbabu will also represent India in the women’s event. Vaishali earned her Grandmaster title in 2023. She was also awarded the Arjuna Award in 2024.
India’s history at Norway Chess has been relatively improving. In earlier editions, legends like Viswanathan Anand participated, notably finishing third in 2013, the inaugural edition — the same event that Carlsen won on home soil.
Since then, Indian participation has been limited. However, Praggnanandhaa’s debut in 2023 and now Gukesh and Arjun’s inclusion in the main event mark a turning point.
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This is the first time India is represented by two players in the elite men’s classical section, and also features two Indian women in the corresponding women’s event, which is a record-breaking moment for the nation.
While Freestyle Chess and rapid formats are making waves, Norway Chess stays true to classical time controls, reinforcing the patience and psychological warfare that make elite chess so thrilling. With Gukesh vs Carlsen headlining the event, and rising stars like Arjun and Vaishali gaining ground, India’s presence this year is filled with potential.
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