OSLO: As the curtains rose on Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo on Monday much of the spotlight was on the simmering rivalry between reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and home favorite Magnus Carlsen — a contest that has added fresh drama to one of chess’ most prestigious events.
Tournament organizers confirmed on Sunday that Gukesh and former world champion Carlsen will meet twice in the tournament, first in Round 4 on Thursday and again in Round 10 on June 5.
The anticipation stems from last year’s dramatic encounter when Carlsen famously banged the table in frustration after losing to the Indian teenager.
Asked ahead of this year’s event whether he expected another explosive reaction from the Norwegian, Gukesh smiled before offering a measured response.
“My job is to play chess,” said the youngest ever undisputed world champion, who turns 20 in four days. “That is within my control.”
