News DeskLondon, UK – London is buzzing with anticipation as some of the world’s strongest chess players gather for the second season of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), the only professional sports league where men and women compete together on mixed-gender teams. Created as a joint venture between Indian tech giant Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the GCL brings a new and exciting format to chess, aiming to expand the game’s global fan base.
Among the 36 players participating in this high-profile event are chess legends and top-ranked players like five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, world number two Hikaru Nakamura, and rising star Alireza Firouzja. Additionally, former Women’s World Champions Hou Yifan, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Tan Zhongyi will also be competing, showcasing a powerful mix of talent from around the world.
As the Global Chess League Season 2 kicks off on October 3rd at London’s Friends House, the excitement is palpable. Sameer Pathak, CEO of the Global Chess League, commented on the event’s growing popularity: “We are looking forward to having a great turnout with chess lovers coming to watch some thrilling matches between the world’s top players.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised the event, calling it groundbreaking: “This event sets a new standard not only for chess but for sports worldwide. The initiative to combine men and women on the same team is inspiring and will greatly promote the game globally.”
World-Class Teams
Reigning champions, the Triveni Continental Kings, are returning after their dramatic last-minute victory over the Ganges Grandmasters in the inaugural edition held in July 2023 in Dubai. This year, six elite teams owned by major international companies will compete: Alpine SG Pipers (led by Magnus Carlsen), Ganges Grandmasters (led by Viswanathan Anand), upGrad Mumba Masters (led by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave), PBG Alaskan Knights (led by Anish Giri), Triveni Continental Kings (led by Alireza Firouzja), and the American Gambits (led by Hikaru Nakamura).
Innovative Format
Each team is composed of six players, including an “Icon Player” (a Grandmaster rated 2700 or above), two world-class Grandmasters, two top female players, and one player aged 21 or younger. Teams will face off in a double round-robin format, playing each opponent twice, with all players competing as either black or white for the entirety of a match. Each game will last only 20 minutes, adding significant time pressure to the competition.
Revised Scoring System
A unique scoring system adds further excitement, with a win using black pieces earning 4 points, while a white-piece win earns 3 points. Draws are worth 1 point. In match points, a team victory secures 3 points, a draw earns 1 point, and a loss gives 0 points. After the round-robin phase, the top two teams will advance to the final, set to take place on October 12th.
Chess fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this innovative tournament, which promises intense battles and thrilling matches across each round.
Schedule and Venue
The matches will take place at Friends House in Euston, London (NW1 2BJ). The opening round begins at 13:15 on October 3rd, with three matches scheduled each day. The grand final is set for Saturday, October 12th, with games starting at 13:15 and 14:35.
This promises to be a memorable chess event, elevating the sport to new heights of global interest and innovation.
