Norway Chess Round 6: So Leads, Carlsen Beats Firouzja as India’s Gukesh, Pragg Suffer Setbacks

Norway Chess entered its penultimate round on June 1, 2026, with a dramatic shift at the top of the standings. Wesley So took sole first place after defeating India’s R Praggnanandhaa in a tense endgame, while Magnus Carlsen reclaimed momentum with a victory over Alireza Firouzja, ending Firouzja’s brief stint in the lead.

So Takes the Lead as Praggnanandhaa Suffers Classical Defeat

In a high-stakes reverse fixture, Wesley So outmaneuvered R Praggnanandhaa to seize the tournament lead. The game was decided in a superior endgame, showcasing So’s technical precision over Praggnanandhaa’s opening play. The loss dropped Praggnanandhaa out of the top spot and shifted the momentum in the tournament.

Carlsen Ends Firouzja’s Streak with Dominant Win

Magnus Carlsen returned to winning ways by defeating Alireza Firouzja in a closely contested classical game. Firouzja had held the tournament lead before this defeat, but Carlsen’s victory reasserted his presence at the top of the standings. The win was a statement performance from the Norwegian legend, who had struggled in earlier rounds.

India’s Triple Setback: Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya All Fall in Classical Games

Round 6 proved to be a challenging day for India’s representatives at Norway Chess. World champion D Gukesh Dommaraju suffered a defeat at the hands of Vincent Keymer, ending his campaign with a setback. Praggnanandhaa’s loss to So further dented India’s hopes of a strong finish, while Women’s World Champion Divya Deshmukh was defeated by Ju Wenjun in another reverse fixture.

Koneru Humpy Exits After Armageddon Loss

Veteran Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who had shown resilience throughout the tournament, faced a setback in her Armageddon tie-break, bringing an end to her Norway Chess journey. The loss capped a difficult day for India, which saw all three of its classical games in Round 6 end in defeats.

Key Takeaways from Norway Chess Round 6

Wesley So’s Rise: So’s victory over Praggnanandhaa catapulted him to the top of the standings, marking a strong finish to his tournament campaign. His endgame mastery was on full display in the decisive game.

Carlsen’s Resurgence: After a series of mixed results, Carlsen’s win over Firouzja demonstrated his ability to bounce back in high-pressure games. The victory also highlighted his experience in navigating complex positions.

India’s Struggles: The setbacks for Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh underscored the challenges faced by India’s young stars in maintaining consistency against elite opposition. Koneru Humpy’s exit in the Armageddon added to the disappointment.

Technical Excellence Over Brilliance: The round was marked by a focus on technical precision rather than flashy tactics. All three classical victories were achieved by players with the white pieces, reflecting a preference for controlled, strategic play.

What’s Next for Norway Chess?

With Round 6 complete, the tournament is poised for a thrilling finale. Wesley So leads the standings, but the field is closely packed, with Carlsen, Firouzja, and others still in contention. India’s players will look to regroup ahead of the final round, while the rest of the field battles for supremacy in Stavanger.