Global Chess League opens Season 3 at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House
The first franchise-based chess league in the world – GCL – has entered its third season with a grand opening ceremony at the historic Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Is chess art, sport or entertainment? The game, long seen as an individual competition played in silence behind closed doors, is undergoing a transformative change both on and off the board. The Global Chess League – a bold attempt by TechMahidnra and FIDE to make chess into a billion-dollar fan-based league sport – is driving the charge. Capitalising on India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse, the third edition of GCL takes place in the country’s financial and entertainment capital – Mumbai. A royal ceremony for the royal game The Royal Opera House in Mumbai – whose foundations were laid in 1909 – is a unique architectural jewel in Asia, regarded as India’s only remaining traditional opera theater. With extravagant interiors mixing baroque and Indo-European influences, its auditorium ceiling provides an ideal acoustic reception from every part of the building. After opera performances, live music and film projections, the Royal Opera House will for the first time be the venue of a global chess event. The opening ceremony included the unveiling of the GCL Season 3 trophy. The ceremony was led by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group, whose presence underlined the league’s ambition and growing global stature. He was joined by chess legends Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Harika Dronavalli, Volodar Murzin, and Alireza Firouzja. A trophy with a story The trophy itself tells part of the story of what GCL wants to be. Designed by Pininfarina, the 95-year-old Italian firm that helped shape Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati, it brings the language of fast cars and industrial design into the world of chess. Sharp, rising lines and polished metal give a sense of speed and movement. It is a fitting symbol for a rapid league that wants to grow quickly and speak to a wider public. For the next ten days, every move played in Mumbai will be made with that silver shape in mind. GCL as part of FIDE’s strategic effort For the International Chess Federation, the Global Chess League fits into a wider effort to bring chess to new audiences. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich did not hide his support for the project. “The Global Chess League has firmly established itself as one of the premier destinations for chess, bringing elite competition to a global audience in a fresh, modern, and exciting format. The GCL has an important role in FIDE’s strategic effort to popularize the sport and make it more attractive to the broader audience. I am certain that Season 3 will continue this evolution, showcasing the world’s best players and reinforcing FIDE’s commitment to making top-level chess more engaging, inclusive, and globally accessible.” The competition and the concept Season three keeps the basic structure that made the Global Chess League stand out from the start. Six franchises will compete across 34 matches, played over ten high-intensity days in a double round-robin, followed by a third-place playoff and the Grand Finale on 23 December. Every encounter is a six-board clash with a fixed mix of men, women and prodigies. Season 3 continues to feature six teams and bring the world’s elite onto a single stage. Among the big names headlining the season are Alireza Firouzja, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Alexandra Kosteniuk, alongside India’s finest, headlined by the former world champion and first Indian GM Vishwanathan Anand. Reigning two-time champions Triveni Continental Kings, led by Alireza Firouzja, Vidit Gujrathi, and Zhu Jiner, return with their sights set on an unprecedented hat-trick. Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Akash Premsen, CEO, Triveni Sports and Team Manager Triveni Continental Kings, said, “Coming in as two-time champions is a privilege, but it also raises expectations. The field is stronger than ever, and every match will demand precision. Our squad is experienced, balanced, and hungry, and we’re fully committed to defending the title with the same discipline that has defined our journey so far.” Kailash Kandpal, CEO, Ganges Grandmasters, framed his team’s approach in simple terms. “We’ve built our Season three squad around a solid core. The league continues to raise the competitive bar, and our focus is on consistency, teamwork, and delivering high-quality chess across all ten group-stage matches.” For PBG Alaskan Knights, World Champion Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi form a powerful spine. Team owner Punit Balan said, “With Gukesh and Arjun spearheading our lineup, competing in India adds a special layer of energy and expectation. Both are world-class talents, and the atmosphere here elevates every move. We believe our blend of youth, experience, and momentum positions us strongly for a deep run this season.” The FYERS American Gambits (who have added “FYERS” to their name), with Hikaru Nakamura as their icon, promise an aggressive, modern style. Their co-owner and CEO, Prachura PP, put it this way. “The Global Chess League has transformed how fans experience elite chess, and being part of that evolution is a tremendous opportunity. Our roster is dynamic and versatile, and we’re excited to bring an aggressive, ambitious style of play to a league that rewards bold, modern chess.” Alpine SG Pipers, fronted by Fabiano Caruana, Praggnanadhaa R and Anish Giri with Hou Yifan leading the women’s board, and UpGrad Mumba Masters, led by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Wesley So, complete a lineup that is strong on every board. “The calibre of players in Season three is exceptional, and we’re proud to contribute to that standard. With a roster built for high-quality, resilient chess, our aim is to deliver consistent performances from the opening weekend through to the knockout stages,” said Rohan Gupta, owner of Alpine SG Pipers. For the home franchise, UpGrad Mumba Masters, playing in Mumbai adds extra motivation. CEO Suhail Chandhok said, “This season features one of the most competitive fields we’ve seen, with world-class talent across every board. For