Norway Chess: Carlsen beats Gukesh, So stops Firouzja

OSLO, Norway — The fourth round of the Norway Chess 2026 delivered a mix of dominance, drama, and high-stakes Armageddon battles on Thursday, as Magnus Carlsen ended his winless streak with a strong classical victory over fellow Indian D Gukesh. The tournament, now midway through its grueling format, continues to showcase elite chess while keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Carlsen Ends Winless Streak with Clinical Victory Over Gukesh

In a much-anticipated clash between two of chess’s brightest talents, Magnus Carlsen (Norway) defeated D Gukesh (India) in a 4.5-hour classical game that showcased deep preparation and endgame precision. Playing with the black pieces, Carlsen weathered early pressure before gradually outmaneuvering the young Indian star in a tense rook-and-pawn endgame.

This marks Carlsen’s first classical win of the tournament and a crucial morale booster after a winless start. The Norwegian super GM, a five-time classical world champion, showed why he remains a formidable force even in formats where rapid and blitz often dominate.

“It was a tough game, especially after Gukesh’s strong opening,” Carlsen remarked post-match. “But in the end, I managed to keep the balance and convert the advantage.”

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu Delivers in Armageddon to Beat Vincent Keymer

In another high-octane showdown, R Praggnanandhaa (India) faced Germany’s Vincent Keymer in a nerve-wracking Armageddon tiebreak after the classical game ended in a draw. The 19-year-old Indian prodigy, already a sensation in world chess, displayed composure under immense pressure to secure victory in the sudden-death format.

Armageddon, where White has 10 minutes and Black has 7 minutes with a draw offering Black a win, has become a defining feature of Norway Chess. Praggnanandhaa’s ability to thrive in such high-stakes scenarios underscores his growing reputation as a player who thrives when the heat is on.

Fans in India will be particularly enthused by Pragg’s continued strong showing, especially after his earlier upset over Carlsen in the opening rounds of the tournament.

Wesley So Stuns Leader Alireza Firouzja in Armageddon

The biggest upset of Round 4 came in the battle between Wesley So (USA) and tournament leader Alireza Firouzja (France). After a hard-fought draw in the classical segment, the two players moved to Armageddon, where So, with the black pieces, outplayed Firouzja in a tense middlegame battle.

Firouzja, who had been undefeated going into the round, saw his lead cut to just 2½ points as So climbed the standings. The French star remains in pole position, but the competition is heating up, with So and Praggnanandhaa both in hot pursuit.

“It was a tough day,” Firouzja admitted. “But I still believe in my chances to win this tournament.”

Norway Chess 2026: What’s Next?

With the tournament nearing its halfway mark, the action is far from over. Carlsen will look to build on his momentum, while Gukesh will aim to bounce back after a tough loss. Praggnanandhaa’s rise continues to captivate, and So’s form makes him a serious contender for the top spot.

Norway Chess remains one of the most prestigious events on the elite calendar, blending classical depth with the unpredictable drama of Armageddon. For Indian fans, the performances of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh (who continues her impressive run in the women’s section) offer plenty of reasons for optimism.

Key Takeaways from Round 4

• Carlsen ends winless streak with a commanding win over Gukesh in classical play.
• Praggnanandhaa survives Armageddon to beat Keymer, maintaining his strong form.
• Wesley So stuns Firouzja in Armageddon, halving the Frenchman’s lead.
• Gukesh’s challenge continues after a tough loss to the world No. 1.
• Firouzja retains lead but faces increasing pressure from rivals.

Where to Watch Norway Chess 2026

The tournament is being broadcast live on major platforms, including ChessBase and PlayChess, with commentary in multiple languages. Indian viewers can follow the action via ChessBase India and other streaming partners.

Our Prediction for the Rest of the Tournament

The Norway Chess 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory. While Alireza Firouzja remains the favorite based on current form, the depth of the field—featuring Carlsen, So, Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh—ensures no one can be written off.

Our early prediction: A final showdown between Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa, with the Indian teenager potentially pulling off another upset to claim his first major elite title. Carlsen, meanwhile, will likely push hard for a record sixth Norway Chess crown, while So could emerge as the dark horse.

The next few rounds promise fireworks, and with Armageddon looming in every drawn classical game, the stakes have never been higher.