15th World Champion Viswanathan Anand commented on Praggnanandhaa R’s win at Norway Chess 2026. Anand calls Pragg’s playing style impressive, and compares him to Gukesh Dommaraju.

Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand

15th World Champion

“I am delighted that Praggnanandhaa has won Norway Chess in an impressive style. I am very happy at the spectacular turnaround he made in the last four rounds. He is playing the game with some amazingly impressive concepts and style.

At this moment, Praggnanandhaa is playing better than Gukesh, but anything can change. I think there will be form swings repeatedly. Gukesh seems to be stuck a bit. I think he can take inspiration from Pragg.

He can see that if you persist with hard work then at some point things will change.”

The Norway Chess 2026 took place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Praggnanandhaa R won the tournament with a score of 18/30. Pragg defeated Magnus Carlsen both times in the double Round-Robin. Gukesh Dommaraju finished last in the event with 8/30 points.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE