Germany’s number one chess player, Vincent Keymer, will make his debut at Norway Chess in 2026, joining the field for the first time at one of the world’s strongest tournaments. Over the past year, Keymer has enjoyed a rapid rise into the global elite, climbing from World No. 20 in January 2025 to World No. 4 as of January 2026 and gaining more than 40 rating points along the way.

Photo of Vincent Keymer: Michal Walusza

A runner-up at the 2022 FIDE World Rapid Championship, Keymer has firmly established himself among the world’s top players and continues to build momentum at the highest level of international competition.

“I am looking forward to participating in my first Norway Chess event and getting the opportunity to fight for tournament victory among this elite field,” says Keymer.

A Breakthrough Year

Keymer’s progress over the past 12 months has been one of the standout stories in top-level chess. Strong performances have translated into consistent results against the world’s strongest opposition, highlighting both his competitive maturity and growing confidence at the elite level.

Now ranked among the very top players in the world, he arrives in Oslo as part of a new generation shaping the future of international chess.

“As Germany’s number one and a first-time participant at Norway Chess, Vincent brings fresh energy and added competitiveness to an already strong field. It’s great to welcome a German player to the tournament, and we hope chess fans in Germany will follow his participation in Oslo,” says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.