New Delhi
The Global Chess League is set to showcase an impressive lineup of chess stars, including world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, and popular player Hikaru Nakamura. This thrilling event will be held from October 3 to 12 at Friends House in London.
Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion who played in the league’s first season, will return as part of the Alpine SG Pipers. He expressed excitement about the team-based format, calling it a refreshing change for chess.
Hikaru Nakamura, known for his dynamic play, joins the new team American Gambits as an Icon player. He followed the first season closely and is eager to meet his teammates in London. Anish Giri will debut as the Icon player for PBG Alaskan Knights, noting the league’s unique format that brings top men and women players together for exciting matches.
Returning to the Ganges Grandmasters, Viswanathan Anand highlighted the success of the inaugural season and its contribution to the game’s popularity. Meanwhile, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will continue to lead the Mumba Masters after a successful first season. Ian Nepomniachtchi takes on the role of Icon player for the defending champions, Triveni Continental Kings. The league will have six teams, each with an Icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players, and one prodigy, promising daily marquee matchups.
