 "Bibisara Assaubayeva, women's World Blitz Champion, set to make her Norway Chess debut in 2026 edition")
Bibisara Assaubayeva will make her highly anticipated debut at Norway Chess Women 2026, becoming a first-time participant in the tournament. The reigning Women’s World Blitz Champion has already claimed three world titles and arrives in Oslo as one of the most exciting young stars in international chess.
“I’m really happy that I will play Norway Chess Women, because I think it’s an amazing event. We don’t have a lot of strong women’s tournaments, and it will be a very good experience,” says Assaubayeva.
A Record-Breaking Rise
At just 21 years old, Assaubayeva has already established herself among the elite of women’s chess. She captured the Women’s World Blitz Championship title in 2021, 2022, and 2025, establishing her reputation as one of the most dominant speed chess players of her generation.
Her breakthrough came in 2021, when she became the youngest Women’s World Blitz Champion in history at the age of 17 — a record officially recognized by Guinness World Records. That same year, she finished runner-up at the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship, underlining her strength across fast formats.
A Defining 2025 Season
The 2025 season marked another major milestone in Assaubayeva’s career. She secured her third World Blitz title, earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, qualified for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, and surpassed the 2500 rating barrier for the first time, reaching a peak rating of 2513.
A Historic First Appearance
Assaubayeva’s participation in Norway Chess Women 2026 marks her first appearance in the tournament. Her inclusion reflects the tournament’s continued commitment to showcasing the next generation of elite female players alongside established stars.
“We are very pleased to welcome Bibisara Assaubayeva to Norway Chess Women for the first time,“ said Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess. “Her achievements at such a young age are remarkable.”
Norway Chess Women 2026 will bring world-class chess to Oslo for the first time, hosted at Deichman Bjørvika. The tournament features a distinctive 6-player double round-robin format and promises intense competition and high-quality games for fans worldwide.
With Bibisara Assaubayeva joining the field, the stage is set for a compelling clash between rising talent and established contenders.
Norway Chess is one of the world’s premier chess tournaments, bringing together the top male and female players in a distinctive 6-player double round-robin format. The introduction of Norway Chess Women in 2024, with equal prize funds for men and women, underscores the event’s commitment to gender equality and innovation in the sport. Norway Chess 2026 will take place from May 25 to 5 June at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo.
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