Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 3 Begins with Grand Opening in Mumbai

The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) officially ushered in its third season with a glittering opening ceremony in Mumbai on Friday, as the championship trophy was unveiled at the iconic Royal Opera House.

A joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the league returns with heightened ambition, global star power, and a growing sense of occasion, reinforcing its status as one of the most innovative properties in modern chess.

Season 3 of the GCL will see six franchise teams compete across 34 matches over ten high-intensity days, beginning December 14 and culminating in the Grand Finale on December 23. The unveiling of the Season 3 Trophy marked the formal start of the league, setting the tone for what promises to be its most compelling edition yet.

The ceremony was attended by Mahindra Group Chairperson Anand Mahindra, whose presence highlighted Tech Mahindra’s long-term commitment to reimagining chess for a global audience. He was joined by an illustrious gathering of players and dignitaries, including Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Harika Dronavalli, Volodar Murzin, and Alireza Firouzja, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent assembled for the season.

Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, described Season 3 as a significant step forward in the league’s evolution. He noted that GCL was conceived to present chess in a format that resonates with new-age fans, combining elite competition with enhanced engagement and innovation. According to Dubey, the current season represents the strongest expression yet of that vision.

League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit echoed those sentiments, emphasising GCL’s unique positioning as a platform where established world champions compete alongside the game’s brightest young stars. With Mumbai hosting the event, Rakshit underlined the league’s intent to deliver ten days of world-class chess in a truly global setting.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the league’s strategic importance in chess’s broader growth. He stated that the Global Chess League has emerged as a premier destination for elite competition, playing a vital role in FIDE’s mission to make chess more engaging, inclusive, and accessible to wider audiences through modern formats and presentation.

Defending champions Triveni Continental Kings return as the team to beat, aiming for a historic third consecutive title. Led by Alireza Firouzja, Vidit Gujrathi, and Zhu Jiner, the Kings will once again carry the weight of expectations. Firouzja, speaking ahead of the season, described India as the epicentre of world chess at present and expressed excitement about competing on Indian soil.

Season 3 features an elite international lineup, including Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Hou Yifan, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Zhu Jiner, alongside India’s leading names, headlined by five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.

A notable technical change this season is the introduction of a two-second increment after the 40th move. Anand welcomed the adjustment, noting its value even for players accustomed to competing without increments. World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin also supported the change, highlighting its role in improving game quality.

India’s current dominance in world chess forms a compelling backdrop to the league. World Champion Gukesh D, along with Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi, represents a generation that has reshaped the global chess landscape. Erigaisi, partnering Gukesh at PBG Alaskan Knights, expressed excitement about playing at home and engaging directly with Indian fans.

The in-arena experience remains a defining feature of GCL, with live commentary via personal headphones, AI-powered evaluation bars, and visual analysis enhancing spectator understanding and immersion. Praggnanandhaa, representing Alpine SG Pipers, noted the value of the league’s rapid format as preparation ahead of major global championships.

GCL Season 3 follows a double round-robin format, with each team playing ten group-stage matches before the Third-Place Playoff and Grand Finale. Matches are contested across six boards, featuring men, women, and prodigies together, reinforcing the league’s inclusive identity.

Fans in India can follow the action live on the JioStar network, while tickets for the Mumbai leg are available via District.

The season opens with a blockbuster clash between Triveni Continental Kings and Alpine SG Pipers, setting the stage for another landmark chapter in franchise chess.