Norway Chess 2026 runs from May 25-June 5, 2026, in Oslo, Norway. This is a chess tournament in Oslo, Norway, in 2026.

The event brings two elite tournaments to the same venue: Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women. Both events use the same format, the same playing conditions, and the same prize fund.

The 2026 edition marks a major new chapter for the tournament. After thirteen years in Stavanger, Norway Chess moves to Oslo and will take place at Deichman Bjørvika, near the Oslo Opera House.

♟️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Norway Chess 2026 uses a 6-player double round-robin format. Each player faces every opponent twice, once with White and once with Black.

The classical time control gives each player 120 minutes for the game. In addition, a 10-second increment starts from move 41.

If the classical game ends in a draw, the players continue with an Armageddon game. The player with White in the classical game also plays White in Armageddon.

In Armageddon, White receives 10 minutes and must win. Black receives 7 minutes and wins the match if the game ends in a draw. A 1-second increment starts from move 41.

The scoring system rewards decisive classical wins. A classical win scores 3 points. A classical loss scores 0 points. A drawn classical game followed by an Armageddon win scores 1½ points, while the Armageddon loser receives 1 point.

Players may not agree to a draw before both players have made at least 30 moves. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

🏆 Prize Fund

Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women each have a prize fund of NOK 1,690,000, approximately US$182,500 per tournament. Together, the two tournaments offer NOK 3,380,000, approximately US$365,000.

Prize money is shared among players with the same score. However, this rule does not apply to first place. If players share first place, a playoff or double round-robin tiebreak decides the tournament winner.

👥 Sections / Groups

Norway Chess

Norway Chess features six elite players in the main tournament.

Norway Chess Women

Norway Chess Women runs alongside the main tournament with the same format and equal prize money.

Format Identity

The event keeps classical chess at its core. However, the Armageddon system ensures every match produces a winner. As a result, each round carries clear sporting tension for players, spectators, broadcasters, and online viewers.

📅 Schedule

On playing days, doors open at 16:15. Each round starts at 17:00 CET, and games run until no later than 22:00.

📝 Registration

🏛️ Organizer

Organizer: Norway Chess

Norway Chess organizes one of the world’s leading elite chess events. The tournament combines top-level classical chess with Armageddon tiebreaks, modern broadcast production, and equal conditions for the women’s tournament.

Email: kjell@norwaychess.com
Phone: +47 911 67 695

📍 Venue

Deichman Bjørvika, Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway

Norway Chess 2026 takes place at Deichman Bjørvika in central Oslo. The venue stands between Oslo Central Station and the Oslo Opera House, which gives spectators a highly accessible city-center location.

The move to Oslo gives the tournament a new setting after thirteen years in Stavanger. Moreover, Deichman Bjørvika offers a modern cultural venue for live spectators, media activity, and public engagement around the games.

🚆 How to Get There

Visitors can travel to Oslo Central Station and continue on foot to Deichman Bjørvika. The venue is located in the Bjørvika district, close to the waterfront and the Oslo Opera House.

Players, spectators, and media arriving through Oslo Airport can continue to Oslo Central Station by airport train, regional train, bus, taxi, or private transport. From there, the venue is easy to reach within the city center.

ℹ️ Other Practical Information

Fair play procedures apply throughout the tournament. Players may not carry mobile phones or other electronic communication devices during play. If a device makes a sound, stays switched on, or remains on a player during a game, the player forfeits.

Players should be present in the playing area at least 2 minutes before each round. This supports media photos, sponsor moments, and any symbolic first-move ceremony.

The tournament also uses modern broadcast features. These include live coverage, commentary, and audience-focused presentation tools that help viewers follow elite chess more easily.

Overall, Norway Chess 2026 gives fans a rare chance to watch two world-class tournaments in Oslo with equal prize funds, elite player fields, and a decisive format in every round.