Reigning Norway Chess Women’s champion Anna Muzychuk will return in 2026 as she looks to defend her title and potentially claim a second consecutive victory. Having competed in both editions since the tournament’s launch in 2024, Muzychuk has become one of the defining figures of Norway Chess Women.

Photo: Norway Chess / Tor Nilssen & Kjetil V. Tveito

A three-time world champion in fast chess, Muzychuk won the Women’s World Rapid Championship in 2016 and the Women’s World Blitz Championship in 2014 and 2016. She is also a Women’s World Championship finalist and one of only six women in chess history to surpass a 2600 rating.

“Norway Chess is a truly special event that combines a prestigious and challenging tournament with memorable friendly activities. I’m really looking forward to the new edition!” says Muzychuk.

During her victory speech in 2025, Muzychuk also highlighted the importance of Norway Chess Women for female players and expressed strong support for the continuation of the tournament, describing the initiative as “really very important” for women’s chess.

A Leading Figure at Norway Chess Women

Norway Chess has quickly become familiar ground for Muzychuk. She finished runner-up in the inaugural Norway Chess Women tournament in 2024 before returning in 2025 to capture the title and establish herself at the top of the field. Her consistent presence and strong performances have made her one of the tournament’s central competitive figures.

“Anna has been a key part of Norway Chess Women since the very beginning, and her level of play continues to set the standard,” says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess. “Having the reigning champion return adds both sporting quality and continuity to the tournament, and we’re excited to welcome her back to Oslo.”

Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Norway Chess Women – Setting a New Standard

Norway Chess Women was launched in 2024 as the world’s first fully equal super tournament for women in chess, staged in parallel with Norway Chess, featuring the same format, number of players, playing conditions and prize fund as the main event. The initiative marked a major step forward for gender equality in professional chess and has since become firmly established on the international calendar.

With Anna Muzychuk returning as defending champion, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in the women’s tournament’s growing history, and the question remains whether she can secure her second consecutive Norway Chess Women title.