Stavanger (Norway): Reigning champion Anna Muzychuk will return to defend her Norway Chess Women’s title, aiming to become the first player to win the tournament twice in succession. Since the launch of Norway Chess Women in 2024, Muzychuk has featured in both editions and established herself as one of the competition’s central figures.
A three-time world champion in fast chess, Muzychuk won the Women’s World Rapid Championship in 2016 and claimed the Women’s World Blitz Championship titles in 2014 and 2016. She has also been a finalist at the Women’s World Championship and is among only six women in chess history to have crossed the 2600 rating mark.
“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,” Muzychuk said ahead of the tournament.
During her title-winning campaign in 2025, Muzychuk underlined the importance of Norway Chess Women for female players, describing the event as “really very important” for the growth of women’s chess and strongly supporting its continuation.
Muzychuk finished runner-up in the inaugural edition of Norway Chess Women in 2024 before clinching the title in 2025, cementing her status as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
“Anna has been a key part of Norway Chess Women since the very beginning, and her level of play continues to set the standard. Having the reigning champion return adds both sporting quality and continuity to the tournament, and we’re excited to welcome her back to Oslo,” said Benedicte Westre Skog, Chief Operating Officer of Norway Chess.
Introduced in 2024, Norway Chess Women became the world’s first fully inclusive super tournament for women, held alongside the main Norway Chess event. It mirrors the men’s tournament in format, number of players, playing conditions and prize fund, marking a significant step towards gender equality in professional chess. The event has since secured a permanent place on the international chess calendar.
With Muzychuk returning as defending champion, anticipation is high for another competitive edition as she seeks to add a second consecutive Norway Chess Women’s title to her record.
The Norway Chess tournament, featuring top male and female players, follows a unique six-player double round-robin format and will be held from May 25 to June 5 at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo.