Norway Chess 2025: Top Players, Schedule, Format, Prize Money, How To Buy Tickets For 'Wimbledon Of Chess'

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The 13th edition of the prestigious Norway Chess 2025 tournament kicks off Monday (May 26) in Stavanger, featuring a stellar lineup of global chess heavyweights.

Regarded as the "Wimbledon of Chess", the 2025 edition promises more excitement than ever, with the simultaneous running of the Norway Chess Women's Tournament, reaffirming the organisers' commitment to equality in sport.

Equal Spotlight: Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women

For the first time in tournament history, both the open and women's tournaments share the same playing hall, format, and prize money, setting a new standard for inclusivity in chess.

Both events follow a 6-player double round-robin format and adopt the Armageddon system, ensuring a decisive result in every match. If the classical game ends in a draw, an Armageddon tiebreak follows immediately - making every round unpredictable and intense.

Norway Chess 2025 Star-Studded Lineup

Norway Chess 2025 Open

• Magnus Carlsen (Norway) - 5-time World Champion, World No. 1 (Rating: 2837)
• Hikaru Nakamura (USA) - 2023 Norway Chess Champion, World No. 2 (Rating: 2804)
• D Gukesh (India) - Youngest undisputed World Champion, World No. 3 (Rating: 2787)
• Arjun Erigaisi (India) - India's top-rated player, World No. 4 (Rating: 2782)
• Fabiano Caruana (USA) - Former Norway Chess Champion, World No. 5 (Rating: 2776)
• Wei Yi (China) - Tata Steel 2024 Champion, World No. 8 (Rating: 2758)

Norway Chess Women 2025

• Ju Wenjun (China) - 4-time Women's World Champion, Rating: 2580
• Lei Tingjie (China) - 2024 Blitz runner-up, Rating: 2552
• Koneru Humpy (India) - 2-time Rapid World Champion, Rating: 2543
• Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) - Former World Rapid & Blitz Champion, Rating: 2526
• R Vaishali (India) - Olympiad winner, Rating: 2475
• Sara Khadem (Spain) - 2023 Spanish Champion, Rating: 2449

Top Contests to Watch at 2025 Norway Chess

• Gukesh vs Carlsen in Round 1 headlines the open category, as the newly crowned World Champion faces the undisputed legend.
• Koneru Humpy vs R Vaishali brings an all-Indian flair to the women's tournament opener.
• Expect fireworks when Humpy clashes with Ju Wenjun, a potential title decider.
• Nakamura remains a serious threat with his Armageddon prowess and recent form.

Format & Prize Money

Format: Double Round-Robin (12 Rounds), Classical + Armageddon
Armageddon Rule: If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game follows. White gets 10 minutes, Black gets 7 (with draw odds).
Prize Money: Total purse of USD 1,62,681, equally divided between the two tournaments.

Full Tournament Schedule (in CET and IST)

Norway Chess 2025 Ticket Information

Tickets are available on-site only at Finansparken, the tournament venue.

Daily Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 200 NOK
• Children & Youth (under 18): 100 NOK
• Family (2 Adults + Children): 400 NOK

Entry Timing: Doors open between 4:15 PM and 4:30 PM CET on match days and remain open until the round concludes.