DUBAI (ALETIHAD)

The FIDE-recognised Global Chess League (GCL) has announced the launch of a pioneering pathway for aspiring players to compete alongside the game’s elite in the world’s first franchise-based chess league.

The GCL made its debut in Dubai and was held in London last year. 

Through the GCL Contenders initiative, three winners will emerge as league ambassadors and earn the rare chance to play shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s leading Grandmasters in Season 3, beginning December 13 at an undisclosed host city, but in India.

For the UAE, where chess enjoys a strong following, the move is expected to inspire a new generation of talent and offer greater exposure to established players such as Grandmaster Salem Saleh and prodigy Roudha Alserkal, both of whom have been instrumental in raising the country’s profile on the international chess stage.

Open to amateurs and professionals alike, GCL Contenders will spotlight grassroots talent and unite participants across six time zones, from India to the USA, UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Registration opened on August 28, and the event will run for almost a month before culminating in the league season. 

According to Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, the initiative is “more than a tournament”, representing a landmark step that will inspire generations of players worldwide. 

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich welcomed the programme as a natural extension of the league’s innovative approach, noting its potential to attract professionals and enthusiasts.

By introducing this new structure, GCL aims to strengthen the global chess community, offering opportunities for everyday enthusiasts to transition into high-stakes competitions against top-tier Grandmasters. 

The winners, drawn from three categories, will step into ambassadorial roles within the six GCL teams: Alpine SG Pipers, American Gambits, Ganges Grandmasters, PBG Alaskan Knights, Triveni Continental Kings, and upGrad Mumba Masters.

GCL Contenders Format

Players can register on the official GCL portal in one of the three categories – male, female or U21 - provided they have an active Chess.com account with at least 25 games played. 

The competition begins with the GCL Opens, where participants are placed into 18 rapid arenas representing franchisees. The top two from each arena progress, joined by four invited players selected on merit, community impact, or fan appeal, are to form a pool of 16 contenders. 

These advance to the Titled GCL Knockouts, featuring live-streamed matches across major platforms, before four winners move into the Challengers Knockout, joined by Grandmasters and International Masters. 

From this stage, one winner in each category will earn ambassador status for GCL Season 3. All participants must meet category-specific age and eligibility norms while adhering to strict fair play protocols, including camera monitoring and anti-cheating measures.