Urkedal began playing chess as an after-school activity at his school at Kjelsås, in northern Oslo.

[5] In the 2009 World Youth Chess Championships, Urkedal finished in fifth place in the under-16 section scoring 8 points out of 11.

In January 2011 his performance in the Rilton Cup tournament in Stockholm secured him the final norm needed for the title of International Master.

He drew the pre-tournament favorites Jon Ludvig Hammer and Simen Agdestein, and lost only to Espen Lie.

Urkedal won the rest of his games, including a win over the defending champion Berge Østenstad in round 8.