Since 2013, Norway Chess has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious chess tournaments, annually gathering the top global players in Stavanger, Norway. Every year, the chess elite comes together in this action-packed event, which is widely regarded as one of the most exciting tournaments on the chess calendar.
Since its inception in 2012, it has transformed Stavanger and Norway into a global chess hub. In 2024, Norway Chess made history by introducing Norway Chess Women, the first tournament to offer female players equal prize funds, setting a new standard for the future of chess.
The event has played a major part in popularizing chess by:
- Commercializing chess as a sport
- Introducing chess on national and international TV
- Contributing to the development of chess
- Elevating women’s chess with the introduction of Norway Chess Women in 2014
- Utilizing the opportunity chess gives to connect people from all backgrounds, cultures, ages and languages
- Focusing on sponsors and a high level of professionalism
History of Norway Chess
Photo of Founder Kjell Madland at the very first Norway Chess Tournament, in 2013.
The Norway Chess journey began in 2012 with the ambition to create the world’s strongest chess tournament. Founder Kjell Madland envisioned an international elite event in Norway, the home of Magnus Carlsen—even before Carlsen became World Champion. The idea gained momentum when in October of 2011, Kjell hosted a simultaneous chess tournament with Magnus Carlsen in the town of Ålgård. 25 players aged 10 to 80, a mix of celebrities and locals played against each other and the chess elite.
The first Norway Chess tournament took place in 2013 before Carlsen’s rise to World Champion, marking a turning point in Norwegian chess. What once seemed unlikely—chess captivating half of Norway’s TV audience for hours—has now become a national phenomenon. Chess is now widely discussed, played, and celebrated across the country, inspiring similar developments worldwide.
Since its inception, Norway Chess has focused on innovation, creativity, and professionalism. Early tournaments featured rounds at unique locations like Flor & Fjære, the University of Stavanger, Utstein Monastery, and Stavanger Concert Hall, drawing global attention and showcasing the Stavanger region. Norway Chess is now a globally recognized organization, hosting legends such as Vishy Anand, Garry Kasparov, and, of course, Magnus Carlsen.
In 2017, Norway Chess set a historic benchmark by organizing the strongest 10-player tournament in chess history based on player ratings. Today, it has evolved beyond a tournament into a platform that has turned Stavanger into a global chess hub and redefined how chess is perceived in sports and society.
The introduction of Norway Chess Women in 2014
Photo: Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk during Norway Chess 2024
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.
The Wimbledon of Chess
In 2014, Garry Kasparov famously called Norway Chess “the Wimbledon of Chess,” reflecting its prestigious and unique status. Like Wimbledon in tennis, Norway Chess creates an atmosphere of excitement and excellence, captivating audiences through immersive online commentary and TV broadcasts. This has cemented its reputation as a world-class chess tournament.
Stavanger’s rise as a global chess hub is the result of years of dedication and investment. Today, players, fans, FIDE, and the international chess community recognize Stavanger as one of the world’s premier chess cities. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich put it: “I don’t know Stavanger for oil and gas, but for chess.”
Introduction of New Time Control and Armageddon Playoffs
In 2019, Norway Chess introduced a bold change to its game format: Armageddon playoffs. Despite chess’s deep traditions, consultations with elite players encouraged the decision to try this exciting new approach. In Armageddon, time controls are shorter, ensuring every game has a decisive outcome. Draws in the classical format now lead to a thrilling Armageddon showdown.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise from both players and chess experts. Even FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted their interest in this innovative format. The change has not only enhanced the excitement but also doubled the official broadcast’s viewership.
Broadcast and Commentary
Photo: Norwegian TV2 Sport broadcast team during Norway Chess 2024
Today, Norway Chess is broadcasted live from three TV studios at the venue Finansparken, Stavanger. In 2024, the broadcast could be watched on Norwegian TV 2 Sport (official partner since 2014), online on the world’s largest chess platform Chess.com, and through Norway Chess’ own international broadcast, that was broadcasted in multiple countries including India, China, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.