By Arohi Thatte

Hi! That's me, Arohi. This was my first assignment in chess! I was a host at the Global Chess League 2025 in Mumbai. I really enjoyed my time at the event and grew fond of the sport. Over the next few months, I kept following the developments in the world of chess! And then something quite amazing happened in May 2026.

How does it feel when you visit Norway Chess in person?

"Felt like a cow ashamed of its body…", said the five-time World Champion in the confession room during an intense classical game against Keymer, and witnessing this live from the room next door, was not on my 2026 bingo card. But again, nor was travelling to Oslo to be a part of one of the best chess tournaments in the world featuring top players in the Open and Women's categories.

The beautiful city of Oslo in the background!

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It all started on a random Monday afternoon when I got asked if I would want to visit Norway Chess, and just like that, three weeks later I was at Deichman Bjørvika, the official venue for Norway Chess in Oslo. Right by the coast of the Oslofjord, the library stood tall amidst lush islands, the historic Opera House and cute wooden cabins in the sea that I later got to know were popular saunas. Having been a part of a chess event in India last year, the setting wasn't completely new to me. In fact, knowing a few people there, including most of the players, helped immensely. So, a very surprised, "Hello, didn’t expect to see you here" from the reigning world champion Gukesh felt more of a warm welcome than anything else.

With the eventual champion - Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

As I reached the hotel lobby ready for my check in, I met Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess, got talking and was surprised with a venue tour, as I realised the library was right across the hotel. Tall, modern and beautiful, those were the exact words that struck my mind as I entered the grand building. "You know why the escalator is so narrow?" Kjell asked as we climbed to the third floor. I nodded as he went on to explain, "Norwegians believe that you shouldn't be hurrying if you’re in a library". Wow. So much thought. It only made sense that a game that required the best application of one's mind should be played at a venue that respected it.

Right before the first round on the board where Firouzja won his first ever classical game against Magnus

A part of the third floor was cordoned off for the tournament and, as we rounded the corner to get to the other side of the wall, all my questions as an online spectator were answered. The playing tables, the place for audience, the huge TV screens, the player waiting areas, the confession room (by far my most favourite feature of the tournament), the interview backdrops, the VIP area that gave a bird's-eye view of everything happening everywhere held me captive, as Kjell showed me around.

We then climbed to the fourth floor to find the VIP seating area, and beside that was where magic for all online audiences happened - the studios!

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The beautiful Norway Chess studio

The Norway Chess studio looked straight out of a dream. The wooden furnishings overlooking the beautiful Oslofjords Coastline featuring the sails and a cruise formed the backdrop of the studio where chess would be discussed in excruciating detail for the next two weeks. It was nothing short of perfect. Next to it were two more studios, one of chess.com and the other of a local Norwegian network, both appealing in their own way. The bar was set very high. I got back to the hotel only to meet Humpy in the restaurant. We had a hearty chat over lunch and said our goodbyes post, to prep for day one.

Did you know that it is daylight in Oslo even at 11 pm at this time of the year? Took me a day or two of getting used to, but hey, not complaining. Before long, I was up and about for the opening day. It started with a wonderful violin rendition, which was followed by the players being invited and introduced as the crowd cheered on for their favourites. And as the players geared up for round one, I was briefed and took my place at table number one. This was the Anna Muzychuk v. Zhu Jiner game, and I was to make the first move! Another first, another surprise, another core memory. I played e4, a move that took me back to the room I'd taken my chess lessons in as a kid. That kid would have never imagined, not even in her wildest dreams, that she would be here, doing this.

Now this is a core memory I am never forgetting! | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

As the games progressed, the rounds went by, the battles intensified. Chess got interesting. A game that stood out for me was Praggnanandhaa v. Magnus Carlsen. In the first game, Pragg looked in an attacking state of mind right from the start, with Carlsen defending every move beautifully - until he didn't. He blundered and resigned even before Pragg could pick one of the few moves available to him in the endgame. During the last couple of minutes, I asked Vaibhav Suri, Pragg's second, what he thinks of the game, to which the answer was "Likely a draw". But how the turn tables.

Pragg's first win against Magnus at Norway Chess 2026

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Cut to round eight, where Pragg looked confident right from the get-go. The game pressure created early on lasted till the end, where time pressure pushed Magnus to blunder, handing Pragg another classical win over the former World Champion. The best part? Both of them started the game with a visit to the confession booth and, more or less, they did say the same thing - they didn't quite know what was happening in the game.

To beat Magnus twice in a tournament - now that is rare!

Yes, there was the game and the leaderboard. But on the sidelines, isn't it the people really that define the kind of experience you have at an event? This one was no different. So, most of them knew each other, having worked together over multiple seasons. I was kind of the only new addition to the lot. But it wasn't any later than the second night that I found myself coiled up at a table post dinner with people I was chilling with for the first time, playing a round of Werewolf. And then, this became a ritual for every night: 10-15 of us, two tables, Werewolf on one, Avalon on the other, and a couple hours of fun, games and unwinding.

Every morning I would wake up early, grab a sumptuous breakfast, and with a black coffee to go, set out for a walk around the city. You could literally see the entire city in two days, and walk from the centre to any end in 10–15 minutes. Or just take the metro, which I did to Sognsvann, a picturesque lake to the north of the city. It's known to have quite a few hikes around it. I picked the one to Vettakollen, a 7 km round hike to a viewpoint that rewards you with panoramic views of the entire Oslo. You also get a glimpse of Deichman Bjørvika if you look close enough.

The view was absolutely breathtaking!

Norway Chess moved from Stavanger to Oslo just this year, and everyone who attended it the last couple of years did point out how the two venues were different. But for someone like me, whose introduction to the event was at Oslo, it opened up an entire new world of chess, fun, camaraderie, good work and, of course, Avalon!

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Thank you, Norway Chess, for these amazing few days

A heartfelt gratitude to Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess, for giving me this wonderful opportunity of experiencing Norway Chess from such close quarters. And the amazing team made it a memorable week for years to come!

About the author

Arohi Thatte is proof that the most exciting journeys are rarely planned. A lawyer by qualification and a sports presenter by passion, this Mumbai-based presenter has carved a unique path across sports, travel, lifestyle and digital media. Through her work with leading platforms such as Star Sports, Sony Sports and Curly Tales, she has become known for her engaging on-ground sports coverage and lively conversations. From courtrooms to cricket grounds, Arohi's career has been shaped by curiosity, bold decisions and an eagerness to embrace every opportunity that comes her way.

Find out more about Arohi from her interview at the Global Chess League 2025

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