Global Chess League season 4 to be held in India

The fourth season of the Global Chess League (GCL), jointly organised by Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will be hosted in India, tournament organisers announced on Friday.

The organisers said the host city for the upcoming edition will be revealed soon.

The previous season of the tournament was held in Mumbai in December 2025, where Alpine SG Pipers emerged as champions after a successful campaign.

Since its launch, the Global Chess League has introduced an innovative format aimed at making chess more engaging for audiences worldwide.

The tournament features rapid-fire matches, mixed-gender teams and a franchise-based structure designed to position chess as a mainstream spectator sport.

Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner of the Global Chess League, said India’s growing chess culture and passionate fan base make it an ideal destination for the tournament.

“India’s passion for the game and its rapidly growing chess ecosystem make it a natural destination for the league. We look forward to another exciting season that brings together the world’s best players and a global fanbase,” Rakshit said.

Season 4 is expected to once again feature leading international chess stars competing in a team-based format.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised the league for bringing fresh energy and wider audience appeal to the sport.

“The Global Chess League has introduced a new energy to the sport by combining world-class competition with an engaging team format that appeals to new and existing audiences alike,” Dvorkovich said.

The league continues to play a key role in promoting modern, fast-paced chess formats and expanding the sport’s popularity among younger audiences.