Global Chess League Season 4 To Be Hosted In Bengaluru: 'Feels Like A Defining Moment'

Last Updated:June 12, 2026, 15:09 IST

Global Chess League Season 4 will be held in Bengaluru, with Tech Mahindra and FIDE hosting elite mixed gender teams, final player roster and venue details still awaited.

The Global Chess League (GCL) is set to return for its fourth season, continuing its efforts to reshape the traditional chess landscape through a franchise-based competition featuring elite players from around the world.

Organised as a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, the league has introduced several innovations since its inception, including franchise-style team ownership, mixed-gender line-ups, and fast-paced match formats designed to appeal to a broader audience.

“The GCL, which is a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has already changed the format of the game, introducing franchise teams, mixed-gender lineups, and rapid-fire matches. Season 4 will once again feature the world’s leading players competing in a team-based format," the organisers said in a statement.

Global Chess League Returns To India

The upcoming edition is expected to build on the tournament’s growing popularity, with Bengaluru chosen as the host city. League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit described the move as an important milestone for both the competition and the sport.

“Bringing the league to Bengaluru feels like a defining moment, not just for the league, but for the evolution of the game itself. This is where the next chapter begins," he said.

FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich also welcomed the decision, highlighting India’s influence on the modern chess landscape.

“India continues to be at the forefront of the global chess movement, and Bengaluru provides the perfect setting to build on this momentum," said FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich.

“We look forward to an exciting season that brings the world’s best players together and further deepens engagement with fans across the country and beyond."

The league has previously attracted some of India’s biggest chess stars, including R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, and Viswanathan Anand. However, the organisers have yet to reveal the complete player roster or the specific venue for this year’s competition.

Last season, held at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, featured several fan-focused innovations. Among them were specially designed team booths where players held pre-match discussions and strategic planning sessions. Although the booths were soundproof within the venue, online viewers could listen to the conversations, offering a rare glimpse into the collaborative decision-making process behind a sport traditionally viewed as an individual pursuit.

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Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten...Read More

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