Oslo. Norway Chess, which is among the most prestigious chess tournaments in the world, is now going to enter a new phase. The Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women’s tournaments will be held in the Norwegian capital Oslo from 2026, after being held in Stavanger for 13 years.

The main venue of both tournaments will be Dykhman Bjørvika. This prestigious competition will be played from May 25 to June 5, in which world chess legend Magnus Carlsen will also participate.

Norway Chess started in the year 2013 and since then Stavanger has been the permanent home of this tournament. The city gave the tournament a distinct identity and played an important role in making it an important part of the international chess calendar.

Kjell Madland, Founder and CEO of Norway Chess, praised the contribution of the city of Stavanger, saying, “It would not have been possible for Norway Chess to get to where it is today without the support and cooperation of all political parties in Stavanger.

The city has had a historic role in the development of Norway Chess Women in particular, where prize money is equal to that of the men. “We are also grateful to our local sponsors and volunteers, who together wrote a chapter in Norwegian sports history.”

Regarding the event in Oslo, Norway Chess COO Benedikte Vestre Skog said that coming to the capital will give the tournament more international recognition. “Oslo is a global meeting place and establishing Norway Chess here will allow us to reach a wider audience, participants and young chess lovers,” he said.

Madland further said that Stavanger will always be part of the identity of Norway Chess, but Oslo is a natural next step to take the tournament further on the world stage.

Mariette Lee, the head librarian there, expressed happiness about organizing Norway Chess 2026 at the Dykhman Bjørvika Library. “We are proud that Dykhman Bjørvika will host Norway Chess 2026. We are excited to fill this historic building with chess players, spectators and curious visitors,” he said.

Former world number-1 player Magnus Carlsen has officially confirmed his participation in Norway Chess 2026. The names of the remaining participants will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the Norway Chess Women’s line-up.

This will be the 14th edition of Norway Chess, while Norway Chess Women will be held for the third time. Magnus Carlsen has played in every edition of Norway Chess so far and has won the title seven times.