A History of Inclusivity

Norway Chess has consistently championed gender equality in the chess arena. Over the years, we’ve proudly featured women in key roles throughout our tournaments, including Chief Arbiter, Arbiters, Commentators, Press Officer, and other crucial crew positions.

Norway Chess Women 2024. Photo by Roy-Andre Tollefsen.

2024: A Landmark Year for Women’s Chess

2024 marked a significant milestone in our commitment to elevating women’s chess on a global stage. We introduced the world’s first equal super tournament for women – a parallel event held in the same venue, with identical formats, number of players, and equal prize money as the main event. This historic move set a new precedent in the chess world.

Benedicte Westre Skog, co-owner and general manager of Norway Chess, shared her enthusiasm during Norway Chess 2024:

– Its been a goal for us for several years now, to create a tournament for females with equal price funds, so I’m really happy that it’s a reality this year.

The Importance of Equality in Chess

Kjell Madland, founder, chairman, and tournament director of Norway Chess, emphasized the significance of this initiative:

– It has to be like this now. And it means a lot for women in chess, but also for everyone who has an interest in chess.

Our primary objectives were to shine a spotlight on women in chess – an underrepresented group – and to establish a new standard for equality in the sport. We hope that the visibility and success of the women’s super tournament will inspire more girls to take up chess and show young female players that there are increasing opportunities to become professional players.

Looking Ahead: Norway Chess Women 2025

We recognize that true change requires consistency and commitment. That’s why we’re excited to announce:

In 2025, we will continue the Norway Chess Women tournament, alongside the Norway Chess tournament!

Benedicte Westre Skog highlighted the importance of this ongoing commitment:

– For us to have a women’s tournament, we wanted to make sure we don’t do this only once. We don’t want to have a stunt like a ‘women’s tournament making history, equal price fund’, and then the next year its gone! So for us its been very important to make sure that we can also do this next year.

At Norway Chess, we’re dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable chess community. Join us as we continue to make history and shape the future of chess for all.