Global Chess League Season 3 Tickets Now Available as Mumbai Transforms into a Chessboard

The Global Chess League (GCL) has launched ticket sales for its much-anticipated Season 3, transforming Mumbai into a vibrant chessboard. Scheduled from December 13 to 24 at the Royal Opera House, the event features a fleet of GCL-themed cabs and an impressive lineup of chess legends and rising stars. With ticket prices starting at Rs 499, fans can choose from various seating options to witness this unique mixed-team chess league. The initiative aims to engage the city and enhance the fan experience, marking a historic moment for chess in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 29, 2025, 02:18 IST

Exciting Launch of Global Chess League Season 3

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: The Global Chess League (GCL), a collaborative effort between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), has officially launched ticket sales for its eagerly anticipated Season 3, while simultaneously turning Mumbai into a vibrant chessboard.

Set to take place at the Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, a fleet of purple-and-white GCL-themed cabs has begun to traverse the city, creating a striking prelude to this premier team chess event. In partnership with District, the official ticketing platform, fans can easily secure their seats for every match of the season, as highlighted in a GCL press release.

This initiative kicked off with GCL-branded vehicles arriving at the Royal Opera House, proudly displaying the trophy. Over 1,000 cabs, buses, and auto-rickshaws across Mumbai will showcase the league's colors throughout the tournament, acting as mobile 'pieces' that signal the arrival of this grand chess event in India for the first time.

The Royal Opera House hosted the ceremonial flag-off, marking the beginning of a tournament that combines world-class competition with the excitement of a team event. The lineup includes elite players such as World Champion Gukesh D, chess legend Viswanathan Anand, and promising talents like R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, alongside international stars like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Hou Yifan, Zhu Jiner, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. With this blend of established icons and emerging stars, GCL is set to deliver an innovative and thrilling experience for fans.

Ticket options range from premium lower-stall seats near the action to elevated balcony views that encompass the entire board, as well as the grand circle's sweeping perspectives. With prices starting at Rs 499 and premium options available from Rs 1299 and above, every ticket offers spectators a chance to experience one of India's most atmospheric venues.

Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner of the Global Chess League, remarked, “This season, Mumbai itself becomes the seventh participant of the Global Chess League. Each purple-and-white cab on the streets serves as a reminder that the city has transformed into the board, with fans providing the energy, and every ticket purchased represents a claimed square. Our collaboration with District enhances the fan experience like never before.”

The six powerhouse teams returning this season—Triveni Continental Kings, PBG Alaskan Knights, Ganges Grandmasters, Alpine SG Pipers, Fyers American Gambits, and upGrad Mumba Masters—feature star-studded lineups that include icons, elite players, and rising talents. The flag-off event captured this excitement, with franchise leaders Suhail Chandhok, Akash Premsen, Kailash Kandpal, and League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit coming together to launch what promises to be GCL's most thrilling edition yet.

This initiative invites Mumbai to immerse itself in the action, setting the stage for Season 3, where these global franchises will compete in the world’s only mixed-team chess league. With District as the official ticketing partner, fans can now secure their seats for intense league matches, fierce rivalries, and the grand finale—all taking place at the iconic Royal Opera House.