Norway Chess 2026: Gukesh wins a thriller against Praggnanandhaa, So bests Carlsen

By admin May 31, 2026 0 comments

The World Champion, D Gukesh scored his first Classical win of the event in Round 5 of 14th Norway Chess 2026.

Carlsen lingers at last place

When was the last time Magnus Carlsen was at the bottom of the points table at the halfway mark of a tournament? It is difficult to recall. The World no.1 suffered his third Classical loss in five rounds. Mathematically it is not impossible for him to win the tournament but practically, it is highly unlikely based on what he has played in the first half of the tournament. Wesley So has always been a tough opponent for Carlsen in Norway. Those who remember history, know what happened in 2019.

Alireza Firouzja is playing phenomenal chess at this event | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Wesley So handed Magnus Carlsen his third Classical loss in five rounds | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Carlsen – So: 0-3

If there is one player who is known to defeat the World no.1, Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2840) heavily in Norway, that has to be Wesley So (USA, 2754) who became the first official World Fischer Random champion in 2019. So played fearlessly from the get-go in the Giuco Piano opening with the black pieces.

Position after 38…gxf3+

White made the mistake of taking the f3-pawn 39.Rxf3+? Qxb2+ 40.Kh3 Qd4 41.Qxd4 exd4 42.Rxf8 Nxf8-+ the resultant knight endgame is completely winning for Black. 39.Kh3 Qd1 40.Nd2 Qxa4 41.Nxf3 would have kept the game going.

Magnus Carlsen was bested by Wesley So | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Interview with Wesley So | Video: Norway Chess

Firouzja – Keymer: 1.5-1

It might be difficult to believe but this is the first-ever Classical rated game between Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2759) and Vincent Keymer (GER, 2759). The game was an uneventful draw. Keymer once again had another poor Armageddon. He made a tactical mistake which cost him an exchange and soon the game.

Alireza Firouzja bounced back well to maintain his sole lead | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Praggnanandhaa – Gukesh: 0-3

The All-Indian clashes between R Praggnanandhaa (2733) have always been exciting encounters. They have played 16 Classical rated games against each other. Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa have won three each and the remanining ten ended in draws.

Position after 37…g4

Instead of focusing on his advantage – the connected passed pawns on the queenside, Praggnanandhaa allowed Black to get back in the game 38.hxg4? Qxg4 39.Qf2? Re3 40.Rd4? Qh5+ 41.Kg1 Qe5 42.Qd2 f3 43.Kf2?? White’s final mistake Bxd6 44.Rxd6 Rg8 45.gxf3 Rxf3+ 46.Kxf3 Bh5+ 47.Kf2 Qg3+ and checkmate is inevitable on the next move.

The World Champion, D Gukesh won an exciting game against R Praggnanandhaa | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

D Gukesh is relieved to have won his game | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Round 5 in progress | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Replay live stream

Replay Round 4 live commentary by IM Anna Rudolf, GM Aryan Tari and Simon Bélanger | Video: Norway Chess

Replay Round 5 games

Round 5 Open results

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) – Wesley So (USA): 0-3

Alireza Firouzja (FRA) – Vincent Keymer (GER): 1.5-1

R Praggnanandhaa – D Gukesh: 0-3

Standings after Round 5

Alireza Firouzja (FRA) maintains his sole lead 10/15 | Graphic: Norway Chess / Tor Nilssen & Kjetil V. Tveito

Round 6 pairings

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) – Alireza Firouzja (FRA)

Wesley So (USA) – R Praggnanandhaa

Vincent Keymer (GER) – D Gukesh

Open and Women pairings of all rounds | Graphic: Norway Chess

Format

6 players will take part in the Tournament.

The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.

The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.

Berger tables will be used for the pairings.

Default time is 15 minutes.

Time Control

Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.

Draw by Mutual Agreement

Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

Armageddon

If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.