The 13th edition of the prestigious Norway Chess tournament is currently underway in Stavanger, Norway, from May 26 to June 6, 2025. This annual super-tournament has once again drawn the crème de la crème of the chess world, promising an electrifying display of strategic brilliance and fierce competition.
Elite Lineup in the Open Section
The open section of Norway Chess 2025 features an incredibly strong field of six players, representing a blend of established legends and rising stars. Headlining the event is the reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh of India, who is making his mark on the elite circuit. He is joined by the ever-present World Number One, Magnus Carlsen of Norway, a multiple-time Norway Chess champion and undoubtedly a crowd favorite. The American Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, known for their tenacious play and innovative approaches, are also competing for top honors. Rounding out this formidable lineup are India’s promising talent Arjun Erigaisi and China’s strong Grandmaster Wei Yi, both eager to prove their mettle against the best.
A significant highlight of this year’s tournament is the highly anticipated classical encounter between Magnus Carlsen and the new World Champion D. Gukesh, marking their first such clash since Gukesh’s historic ascent to the world title. Early rounds have already delivered some dramatic moments, including Gukesh’s maiden classical victory over Carlsen, a testament to his growing confidence and skill.
Intense Competition in the Women’s Section
Running simultaneously, the second edition of Norway Chess Women is also captivating audiences with its own stellar cast. Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun of China leads the charge, defending her title from the inaugural women’s event in 2024. She faces formidable opposition from players like India’s Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali, Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, China’s Lei Tingjie, and Spain’s Sarasadat Khademalsharieh. The women’s section has seen its own share of upsets and captivating battles, with players vying for supremacy.
Unique Format Adds to the Excitement
Norway Chess distinguishes itself with a unique scoring system designed to minimize draws and maximize excitement. Each classical game that ends in a draw is immediately followed by an Armageddon tie-break. In the Armageddon, White gets more time on the clock (10 minutes) but Black has draw odds (7 minutes), meaning if the game ends in a draw, Black is declared the winner. Points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a classical win, 1.5 points for an Armageddon win, 1 point for an Armageddon loss, and 0 points for a classical loss. This format significantly increases the stakes of each game, leading to more aggressive play and fewer quick draws, much to the delight of chess enthusiasts.
Current Standings and What Lies Ahead
As of the latest reports, the tournament is heading into its final rounds with the standings constantly shifting. Fabiano Caruana has emerged as a strong contender for the title in the open section, leading the pack after some crucial victories. Gukesh and Carlsen are hot on his heels, ensuring a nail-biting finish. In the women’s section, Koneru Humpy has showcased excellent form, often battling for the sole lead.
With only a few rounds remaining, every game is critical. The players will be pushing hard for wins, and the Armageddon tie-breaks are expected to deliver even more tension and drama. Chess fans globally are eagerly watching to see who will ultimately emerge victorious in this thrilling display of top-tier chess.