Top world chess stars gather in London for the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League
London, UK – In an exciting fusion of technology and chess, some of the world’s greatest chess players have gathered in London for the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), the only professional chess league where men and women compete on mixed-gender teams. The league, a joint initiative by Indian tech giant Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), aims to revolutionize the chess world with an innovative format, designed to appeal to millions of fans globally.
Among the top players participating are five-time World Champion and current world number one Magnus Carlsen, former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, world number two and popular chess streamer Hikaru Nakamura, and 21-year-old chess sensation Alireza Firouzja. Additionally, former Women’s World Champions Hou Yifan, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Tan Zhongyi, along with other elite Grandmasters, are part of the 36 participants in this prestigious tournament.
“This season is going to be thrilling,” said Sameer Pathak, CEO of the Global Chess League. “We expect a strong turnout at Friends House, with chess enthusiasts eager to witness the world’s top players in action.”
Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, called the event “groundbreaking,” praising its innovative format of mixed-gender teams and its potential to grow the sport globally.
Teams and Format
The reigning champions, Triveni Continental Kings, will defend their title after a dramatic win over the Ganges Grandmasters in the inaugural edition held in Dubai in 2023. Six teams, backed by major international corporations, will compete this season: Alpine SG Pipers (led by Magnus Carlsen), Ganges Grandmasters (Viswanathan Anand), upGrad Mumba Masters (Maxime Vachier-Lagrave), PBG Alaskan Knights (Anish Giri), Triveni Continental Kings (Alireza Firouzja), and American Gambits (Hikaru Nakamura).
Each team consists of six players, including one top-rated Grandmaster (2700+), two world-class Grandmasters, two elite female players, and one player aged 21 or younger. They will face off in a double round-robin format, where teams play two matches against each opponent, switching colors for the rematch.
Scoring System
The GCL introduces a unique scoring system. A win with black pieces earns 4 points, while a win with white earns 3 points. A draw is worth 1 point, and a loss earns 0. Team victories are rewarded with 3 match points, while draws and losses earn 1 and 0, respectively. The top two teams at the end of the round-robin phase will face off in the final on October 12.
Schedule
Matches will be held at Friends House in Euston, with the opening round starting on Thursday, October 3rd, at 13:15 London time. Three matches will be played daily, with the final matches set for Saturday, October 12th.
The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League promises a fresh, fast-paced approach to the sport, captivating chess fans worldwide with thrilling matchups between the world’s best players.