Will the Global Chess League Season 3 Draft in Mumbai Feature the Best Players?
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Synopsis
Excitement builds as the Global Chess League gears up for its Season 3 draft in Mumbai. With 36 elite players, including reigning champions and emerging talents, the competition is fierce. Discover how this unique event is set to elevate chess on the global stage!
Key Takeaways
- The draft is on September 26 in Mumbai.
- 36 players will be selected from a global pool.
- Includes both top Grandmasters and emerging talents.
- Franchises will build teams across four draft rounds.
- GCL features a unique gender-inclusive format.
Mumbai, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Global Chess League (GCL) is set to conduct its player draft in Mumbai on September 26, marking the beginning of its third season in India. Six franchises will battle to create formidable teams from a selection of 36 players, which includes elite Grandmasters and promising talents from 17 chess-playing nations.
At the forefront of the Icon Boards are the current World Champion D. Gukesh, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, along with renowned players like Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Alireza Firouzja, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The pool also features exceptional players like Anish Giri, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, four-time world champion Hou Yifan, and World Cup finalist Koneru Humpy, displaying a lineup of the sport's most prominent figures.
The U-21 Prodigy category introduces talents such as Volodar Murzin, the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Champion, and Marc’Andria Maurizzi, the 2023 World Junior Champion, symbolizing the future of chess.
Franchises will construct their rosters through four draft rounds, with the player pool categorized into Icon Players, Men’s, Women’s, and U-21 Prodigy segments. This year’s draft will prominently feature marquee names.
Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Champion, expressed, "The GCL transcends being just a tournament. It’s a tribute to intelligence, collaboration, and creativity. It blends tradition with modernity and establishes a platform deserving of the game's global significance. I’m thrilled to witness such a league emerging from India on the international stage."
The GCL stands as the world’s sole official gender-inclusive league governed by a global sports federation, featuring six players per team in a fixed-board format: one Icon, two men, two women, and one U-21 Prodigy. All six teams will vie for the championship at their inaugural home venue as the third season kicks off in India. The teams for Season 3 include the reigning champions Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, UpGrad Mumba Masters, Ganges Grandmasters, Alpine SG Pipers, and American Gambits.
The GCL has garnered a substantial following across its successful editions in Dubai and London by fusing classical heritage with dynamic match formats. The upcoming third season will arrive in India, the birthplace of chess, promising an enhanced, fan-centered experience.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of the Global Chess League in celebrating not only the spirit of chess but also India's rich heritage in the sport. This league represents an evolution in competitive chess, fostering inclusivity and showcasing elite talent on a global platform. It's a moment of pride for our nation to host such an esteemed event.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the Global Chess League draft?
The Global Chess League draft is scheduled for September 26 in Mumbai.
How many players are participating in the draft?
A total of 36 players from 17 nations will be part of the player pool for the draft.
Which notable players are included in the draft?
The draft features notable players such as D. Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand, Hikaru Nakamura, and many more.
What format does the Global Chess League follow?
The GCL is a gender-inclusive league with six players per team, including one Icon, two men, two women, and one U-21 Prodigy.
Where has the Global Chess League previously been held?
The GCL has previously hosted successful editions in Dubai and London.
