Deichman Bjorvika—Oslo’s public library designed to appear like a book stack—will see a whoosh of activity with some of the world’s best chess players pacing its corridors over the next fortnight.
For the first time in its decade-plus history, Norway Chess tournament moves from its home in Stavanger to the capital Oslo.
It’s a rare classical tournament where a Magnus Carlsen sighting is guaranteed. Rarer still, a two classical game match-up between Carlsen and reigning world champion D Gukesh.
Last year, Carlsen—he chose not to defend his world title and has since made himself scarce at classical events—spiked the tournament’s social engagement with his viral table-slamming episode after losing to Gukesh. He went on to win Norway Chess for the seventh time.
Four of the top ten players, along with Indians Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, will feature in this year’s line-up. World Championship challenger Javokir Sindarov is expected to be in Oslo for the tournament, not as a participant but to support his friend, Bibisara Assaubayeva, who will be competing in the women’s section. Reigning women’s world champion Ju Wenjun returns to the tournament, along with defending champion Anna Muzychuk. India’s Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh will also be part of the May 25-June 5 tournament.