Global Chess League Season 4: Exciting Player Draft Set for Mumbai

The Global Chess League is set to kick off its fourth season with an exciting Player Draft in Mumbai on June 29. This season promises the return of chess superstar Magnus Carlsen and the debut of FIDE Women's World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh. With a diverse pool of 36 Grandmasters, teams will have the chance to create competitive squads. The league, known for its innovative format and technology-driven fan experience, will take place in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13. As franchises prepare for the draft, anticipation builds for another thrilling season of elite chess.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 19:24 IST

Global Chess League Returns for Season 4

The Global Chess League (GCL), a collaboration between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, is gearing up for its fourth season. The Player Draft is scheduled to occur in Mumbai on June 29, leading up to the league's matches in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13. Notably, Magnus Carlsen will be making his return after a season's absence, while reigning FIDE Women's World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh will debut in this season.

Diverse Player Pool for Season 4

This season's player pool includes 36 Grandmasters from various generations, featuring World Champions, World Cup winners, and Olympiad medallists. Teams will have the opportunity to create balanced squads of six players, combining retained stars with new entrants from the draft.

Innovative Growth of the League

Since its inception, the GCL has transformed elite chess with its franchise-based mixed-team format and technology-driven fan engagement. Season 3, hosted in India for the first time, set new standards with AI-enhanced in-arena experiences and improved broadcasting. The season concluded with the Alpine SG Pipers claiming the championship title.

Anticipation for Bengaluru Season 4

Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the GCL, expressed excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the league's ability to unite top players and attract new chess enthusiasts. Bengaluru, known for its rich sporting heritage and chess culture, is set to host the league, promising a competitive atmosphere as franchises build their teams.

Draft Format and Notable Players

The player draft will allow teams to form six-player squads across four categories: one Icon, two Superstar Men, two Superstar Women, and one Prodigy. The draft list features renowned players such as five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, 2025 FIDE World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov, and Women's World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy, alongside rising talents like reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin.

Franchises Gear Up for the Draft

With the player pool finalized and the retention phase concluded, focus shifts to the Player Draft in Mumbai on July 29. The six franchises—upGrad Mumba Masters, Fyers American Gambits, Ganges Grandmasters, Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, and Alpine APL Pipers—will finalize their squads for the Bengaluru event, culminating in the championship match on September 13.