Norway: World champion says his “job is to play chess” ahead of two scheduled clashes with Carlsen; Haaland investment and Rouda Al Serkal’s recent participation add Gulf relevance to elite tournament

Oslo, May 25: As the curtains rise on Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo today, much of the spotlight will fall on the simmering rivalry between reigning world champion D Gukesh and home favourite Magnus Carlsen — a contest that has already added fresh drama to one of chess’ most prestigious events.

Tournament organisers confirmed on Sunday the dates Gukesh and former world champion Carlsen will twice meet during the tournament — first in Round 4 on May 28 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 icon, Gukesh smiled before offering a measured response.

“I mean… my job is to play chess. That is within my control,” said the youngest undisputed world champion who turns 20 in four days, at Sunday’s press conference.

Gukesh also acknowledged how moments of emotion are helping chess attract newer audiences globally.

“Chess players generally don’t show a lot of emotions but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess. So, it’s a great moment for chess. Also, I feel chess players generally expressing more is fun to watch,” he added.

This year’s Norway Chess also arrives at a significant moment for the sport commercially. Earlier this year, Manchester City striker and football superstar Erling Haaland invested in Norway Chess and its ambitious Total Chess World Championship Tour project, underlining the growing crossover appeal between elite sport and chess. 

The tournament has also increasingly found resonance in the Gulf region. Last year’s Norway Chess Open featured Rouda Al Serkal, the GCC’s first woman grandmaster, reflecting the UAE’s growing presence on the global chess stage and the wider rise of chess culture across the region.

Action begins today with a heavyweight line-up in both the Open and Women’s sections.

In the women’s competition, Anna Muzychuk faces Zhu Jiner, world champion Ju Wenjun takes on Divya Deshmukh, while India’s Koneru Humpy meets Bibisara Assaubayeva.

The men’s section features blockbuster clashes with Alireza Firouzja facing Carlsen, R Praggnanandhaa taking on Wesley So, and Gukesh opening his campaign against Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

The tournament runs until June 5 and once again promises a compelling blend of elite chess, rising rivalries and growing global attention around the game.