Global Chess League Season 4 begins in Bengaluru

The fourth season of the Global Chess League (GCL) is taking place in Bengaluru, India, from September 5 to September 13. A joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, the tournament features six teams competing in a double round-robin format using rapid time controls of 20 minutes plus 2 seconds per move.

Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers feature the return of world number one Magnus Carlsen. Other prominent participants include Alireza Firouzja, Viswanathan Anand, and Ian Nepomniachtchi. The two-time champions, Triveni Continental Kings, are also competing for a third title.

The competition structure involves ten matches across six boards per team, including specific requirements for male and female players and players born in 2003 or later. The top two teams will advance to the Grand Finale on September 13.