Tech Mahindra and FIDE have come together to create the Global Chess League (GCL), which recently announced the six participating franchises for its inaugural edition. This highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from June 21 to July 2 at the prestigious Dubai Chess and Culture Club.
One of the most exciting aspects of the GCL is the convergence of esteemed chess players such as Viswanathan Anand, Ding Liren, Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hou Yifan, Kateryna Lagno, and other celebrated talents. Alongside these exceptional players, the league is also proud to have sports entrepreneurs as franchise owners, bringing their expertise and passion to the chess arena.
Carlsen said: “Global Chess League will be a great new event in over-the-board chess that has never been done before. I am excited to be a part of this unique mixed-team format. Chess is played by many people worldwide, but it needs to catch up to other major sports as a spectator sport, and I am optimistic that GCL will contribute significantly to this. I look forward to meeting the team, competing against India’s exciting new generation of players, and enjoying the league’s team spirit”
Follow Tech Mahindra Global Chess League’s Twitter page for more information.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the six teams participating in the GCL:
Mumba Masters
Led by Ronnie Screwvala, U SPORTS is making its international debut with the upgrade Mumba Masters team. Having previously participated in sports like Kabaddi, Table Tennis, and eSports in India, U SPORTS brings its experience and competitive spirit to the GCL. The members of this squad are GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Alexander Grischuk, GM Koneru Humpy, GM Harika Dronavalli, and GM Javokhir Sindarov.
Ganges Grandmasters
The Ganges Grandmasters franchise is owned by Insurekot Sports (ISPL), which is led by Suresh Kotak. ISPL already owns teams in the Pro Kabaddi League and the Ultimate Table Tennis League, and they are now expanding their sports portfolio with this new addition. The members of this squad are GM Vishy Anand, GM Richard Rapport, GM Leinier Dominguez Perez, GM Yifan Hou, GM Bella Khotenashvili, and GM Andrey Esipenko.
Balan Alaskan Knights
The Balan Alaskan Knights team is owned by the Punit Balan Group (PBG). Under the leadership of entrepreneur and businessman Punit Balan, PBG has made significant investments in various sports leagues across India in recent years. The members of this squad are GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, GM Teimour Radjabov, GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, GM Tan Zhongyi, GM Nino Batsiashvili, and GM Raunak Sadhwani
Triveni Continental Kings
Triveni Engineering & Industries Limited, a prominent integrated sugar manufacturer in India, is entering the world of sports with its team, the Triveni Continental Kings. The company also has interests in engineering businesses, including power transmission and water & wastewater treatment solutions. The members of this squad are GM Ding Liren, GM Wei Yi, GM Yangyi Yu, GM Kateryna Lagno, GM Nana Dzagnidze, and GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre
Chingari Gulf Titan
Chingari App, a popular Web3 Social Networking App, will make its foray into the sports industry with the Chingari Gulf Titans team in the GCL. The app has experienced a surge in popularity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The members of this team are – GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, GM Daniil Dubov, GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, IM Polina Shuvalova, and GM Nihal Sarin
SG Alpine Warriors
APL Apollo-led SG Sports, a renowned building material company, is joining the GCL with its team, the SG Alpine Warriors. With expertise in the construction industry, SG Sports is excited to venture into the world of chess. The members of this squad are GM Magnus Carlsen, GM D Gukesh, GM Arjun Erigaisi, GM Elisabeth Paehtz, GM Irina Krush, and GM R Praggnanandhaa
These six teams will compete fiercely in the GCL, showcasing the strategic brilliance and competitive spirit of chess on a global stage.
Format
It will be a double round-robin tournament between six teams. An icon will play on board no.1, two male players on board no.2 and 3, two female players on board no.4 and 5, and one player born in 2002 or later will play on board no.6. Unlike a regular team event, all players of a particular team will play with the same color which the team gets. Teams will also play in a fixed board order which cannot be changed after the draw of lots. The time control will be 15 minutes + 10 seconds from move no.1.
Players
Icons
There will be six icons in six different teams. They are – Vishy Anand, Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Superstars
There are 26 ‘Superstars’ who will be playing in six franchise teams.
Prodigies
Six players, one for each team are the ‘Prodigies’. They are – R Praggnanandhaa, Andrey Esipenko, Nihal Sarin, Javokhir Sindarov, Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre.
The Global Chess League 2023 is shaping up to be a major event in the world of chess. The league has the potential to popularize chess and attract a new generation of fans. The league will be broadcast live on television and online and will feature a number of innovative features, such as real-time commentary and interactive fan participation.
