We’re thrilled to welcome Laura García-Capelo González to the Norway Chess team as our new Event Manager!

Originally from Spain, Laura has just moved to Norway and will play a key role in organizing our tournaments and other events — including the upcoming Total Chess World Championship Tour starting in 2027.

We caught up with her for a quick chat about her move, her role, and what she’s most excited about:

Welcome to Norway Chess, Laura! How does it feel to have just moved to Norway, and started a new job at the same time?

Very lucky, happy and excited. It feels like everything has happened at the right moment and in a very natural way. Of course, right now I have a thousand things on my mind and a lot to organise, and even though I’m nervous, it’s the good kind of nerves — the ones that remind you that you’re growing and starting something big. I’m happy, and I truly feel that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Have you picked up any Norwegian words yet?

Yes! I’m already on level 12 of Duolingo, so you could almost say I’m fluent, haha. I try to learn new words every day and, although they’re not very useful in my daily life yet, it’s something I want to learn as soon as possible to integrate as much as I can. Litt etter litt.
I know it will take time because it’s very different from Spanish, but I’m really motivated; in fact, one of the first things I did on my first free day was go out and buy a “Learn Norwegian” book.

What was it about Norway Chess and the new Total Chess Tour that made you want to join the team?

Well… how could I not want to join? I first discovered Norway Chess four years ago and I instantly fell in love with everything they create and how they create it. Without a doubt, Norway Chess has been the best chess event I’ve ever attended.
It’s not only the grandeur of the event or the level — which is, of course, incredibly high — but also the human quality of the people behind it.
They manage to make everyone who attends fall in love with the experience, even people who didn’t have a strong interest in chess before. It’s amazing, truly. They know how to turn a tournament into something unforgettable.
So when I found out they were launching the new Total Chess Tour, I was thrilled — and even more so when they offered me the chance to be part of this dream. I feel very lucky, and I’m sure that together we will achieve something HUGE (if they haven’t achieved it already!).

What will your role as Event Manager involve?

In short, my job will be to make sure everything goes according to plan. It’s a position where I’ll be travelling a lot, managing countless things and constantly trying to stay ahead of any issues. It will be quite an experience and definitely a great challenge, especially with events taking place in different parts of the world!

You’ll be travelling quite a lot with this role — what do you look forward to most about that?

Everything I’ll grow and learn as a person. Not only visiting new countries, but getting to know their cultures up close, understanding them and working with them. Meeting people and personalities I never imagined. I’m really looking forward to learning and discovering new ways of living.

What’s your dream host city for a future Total Chess Tour event?

New York. It has an energy that makes everything feel bigger, more alive and full of possibilities. It’s vibrant, iconic and inspiring. And combined with the spirit of Norway Chess, which will certainly be present in the Total Chess Tour, I think we can create an incredible experience for players, partners and the audience as a whole.

Do you play chess yourself?

Yes, but I’m definitely not an expert. Being close to the chess world makes me realise how complex it is and how little I actually know. Learning more is definitely something I want to work on.

And finally — what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Oh, so many things! I love drawing, having a warm coffee in a cosy café, enjoying nature, meeting friends, playing board games… The problem is that I don’t have enough free time to do everything I like. And one thing I definitely need is rest — I think it’s really important to be able to perform well the next day.

We’re so happy to have Laura join the team and bring her energy, experience, and international perspective to this exciting new chapter. With big things ahead on the global stage, we know we’re in good hands.

Welcome to the team, Laura!