NEW DELHI
FIDE and the Global Chess League (GCL) have officially announced that India will host the fourth season of the premier franchise-based chess tournament. While the specific host city remains under wraps for now, the league confirmed that an announcement is expected in the coming days.
The decision to return to India follows the massive success of Season 3, which concluded in Mumbai in December 2025, where the Alpine SG Pipers emerged as champions. India’s deep-rooted passion for the game and its booming chess ecosystem were cited as the primary reasons for bringing the world’s elite players back to the country.
Key Highlights of Season 4
- Format: The league will continue its signature high-intensity, fast-paced rapid format.
- Team Composition: Matches will feature mixed-gender franchise teams, blending top-tier grandmasters with rising stars.
- Vision: A joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, the GCL aims to revolutionize chess as a mainstream spectator sport through “high-intensity storytelling.”
Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, emphasized India’s “defining role” in the global growth of the sport. Meanwhile, Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner of the Global Chess League, noted that the country’s electric fan zones and digital engagement have reshaped how the game connects with global audiences.
With several Indian youngsters currently dominating the world rankings, Season 4 is expected to draw record-breaking attendance and further solidify India’s status as the global epicenter of modern chess.
