Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has been selected to participate in the inaugural edition of the Global Chess League (GCL), a collaborative effort between Tech Mahindra and FIDE (International Chess Federation). The first season of the league will take place at the Dubai Chess & Culture Club from June 21 to July 2, 2023, in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, as stated in a press release.
The tournament will showcase esteemed chess players such as World Chess Champion Ding Liren, top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen (a five-time World Champion), and four-time Women’s World Champion Hou Yifan. The press release emphasizes that each team in the GCL will follow a unique mixed team format, comprising six players, including a minimum of two female chess players.
Jagdish Mitra, the chairperson of the Global Chess League board, expressed excitement about having chess champions participate in the inaugural edition. Mitra praised the introduction of a mixed-team format that provides equal opportunities for men, women, and U-21 players to play together. The goal is to inspire and engage a new generation of players in the growing chess community.
Arkady Dvorkovich, the President of FIDE, highlighted the participation of renowned chess icons, legends, and world champions in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. He expressed anticipation for the intense competition among these notable chess figures.
Magnus Carlsen, who holds the highest FIDE rating in chess history, shared his enthusiasm for the Global Chess League, describing it as an exciting new event that will showcase over-the-board chess in a unique mixed-team format.
Additionally, the GCL will feature prominent female chess players such as Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Kateryna Lagno, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tan Zhongyi, Nana Dzagnidze, Bella Khotenashvili, Nino Batsiashvili, Irina Krush, International Master Polina Shuvalova, and Elisabeth Paehtz, the 2018 European Women’s Champion in rapid chess. The league will also include six U21 players who will compete alongside the seasoned chess professionals.
