Magnus Carlsen returns, Divya Deshmukh set for Global Chess League debut as season 4 player draft heads to Mumbai on June 29
Mumbai, June 27
The Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, will return for its fourth season with the Season 4 Player Draft set to take place in Mumbai on June 29, ahead of the league in Bengaluru from September 3-13.
The player draft will feature the return of Magnus Carlsen after a season away, while reigning FIDE Women's World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh is set to make her Global Chess League debut in Season 4, according to a press release.
The Season 4 player pool features 36 Grandmasters across generations, including World Champions, World Cup winners, Olympiad medallists and leading names from the global chess circuit. With a mix of retained stars and players entering the draft, franchises will have a wide field to shape balanced six-player squads across categories.
Since its launch, the Global Chess League has redefined elite chess through its franchise-based mixed-team format and technology-led fan experience. Hosted in India for the first time, Season 3 marked a major milestone for the league, setting new benchmarks with AI-powered in-arena innovations, enhanced broadcast experiences and the continued expansion of GCL Contenders, its global talent pathway initiative. The season concluded with Alpine SG Pipers being crowned champions after a dominant performance in the final.
Ahead of Season 4, Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Global Chess League, said, "Over the past three seasons, the Global Chess League has demonstrated how a franchise-based team format can bring together the world's leading players while attracting new audiences to chess. Season 4 continues that journey with an outstanding player pool that reflects the quality and diversity of talent that the league continues to attract. We are excited to bring the league to Bengaluru, a city with a rich sporting tradition and a deep-rooted chess culture, and look forward to seeing the six franchises build squads capable of producing another highly competitive season," as per the release.
The player draft will see teams assemble six-player squads across four categories: one Icon, two Superstar Men, two Superstar Women and one Prodigy, in the league's six-board rapid format, where every board carries equal significance.
The marquee draft list includes five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, 2025 FIDE World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov, Women's World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy, former Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, World Championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi and former World Cup champion and Olympiad gold medallist Levon Aronian. They are joined by emerging stars, including reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin and Indian Grandmaster Leon Luke Mendonca, offering franchises a blend of proven champions and emerging talent as they complete their squads for Season 4.
Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Global Chess League, added, as quoted by the release, "The Season 4 draft is where every franchise begins building its squad for the season ahead. The Global Chess League's unique format places equal emphasis on every category, making team composition as important as individual excellence. With a player pool featuring World Champions, established Grandmasters and emerging talent, the draft will shape the balance and competitiveness of every team heading into Season 4."
With the player pool now confirmed and the retention window complete, attention now turns to the Season 4 Player Draft in Mumbai on July 29, where the league's six franchises--upGrad Mumba Masters, Fyers American Gambits, Ganges Grandmasters, Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, and Alpine APL Pipers--will assemble their squads for the Bengaluru edition, culminating in the title decider on September 13.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's great to see the Global Chess League growing globally. The mix of veterans like Anand and fresh faces like Leon Luke Mendonca is what makes this format so compelling. Hoping for some thrilling matches in Bengaluru!
Good to see Indian talent getting such a big platform. Divya Deshmukh's rise has been inspiring, and having her debut alongside legends like Carlsen and Anand is a dream for any chess fan. But I wish the league did more to promote grassroots chess in smaller Indian cities rather than just Bengaluru and Mumbai. Just a thought.
This league keeps getting better. The format with Icon, Superstars, and Prodigies makes every match unpredictable. Hoping we get some new rivalries this season. Also, AI-powered innovations sound cool — tech + chess is a winning combo!
As a chess enthusiast from Kolkata, I'm thrilled to see the league coming to Bengaluru this time — it's a city that truly loves the game! But I honestly wish some matches were held in eastern India as well. Still, can't wait for the draft and to see which team picks up Divya Deshmukh. She's a star! 🌟
The Global Chess League has really turned chess into a spectator sport in India. The draft itself is becoming an event! My only concern is that ticket prices for the live matches might be steep for average fans. Hope the organizers keep accessibility in mind. But otherwise, all the best to all franchises! 🤞
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