Magnus Carlsen Returns, Divya Deshmukh Set For Global Chess League Debut

The Global Chess League (GCL) is set to return for its fourth season, with the player draft scheduled in Mumbai on June 29 ahead of the tournament, which will be held in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13.

One of the biggest attractions this year will be the return of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen after missing the previous season, while reigning FIDE Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh is poised to make her debut in the competition.

What’s New In GCL Season 4?

The Season 4 draft pool features 36 elite Grandmasters representing multiple generations of chess, including World Champions, World Cup winners, Olympiad medallists and several of the game’s brightest emerging stars. Franchises will assemble six-player squads comprising one Icon, two Superstar Men, two Superstar Women

and one Prodigy, making team balance a crucial aspect of the competition’s unique six-board rapid format.

Looking ahead to the new season, Global Chess League Chairperson Peeyush Dubey said, “Over the past three seasons, the Global Chess League has demonstrated how a franchise-based team format can bring together the world’s leading players while attracting new audiences to chess. Season 4 continues that journey with an outstanding player pool that reflects the quality and diversity of talent that the league continues to attract. We are excited to bring the league to Bengaluru, a city with a rich sporting tradition and a deep-rooted chess culture, and look forward to seeing the six franchises build squads capable of producing another highly competitive season.”

The draft list includes celebrated names such as Viswanathan Anand, Javokhir Sindarov, Koneru Humpy, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Volodar Murzin and Leon Luke Mendonca, giving franchises a blend of proven champions and rising stars.

Commissioner Gourav Rakshit highlighted the importance of the draft, saying, “The Season 4 draft is where every franchise begins building its squad for the season ahead. The Global Chess League’s unique format places equal emphasis on every category, making team composition as important as individual excellence. With a player pool featuring World Champions, established Grandmasters and emerging talent, the draft will shape the balance and competitiveness of every team heading into Season 4.”

Following the completion of the retention window, all six franchises — Mumba Masters, American Gambits, Ganges Grandmasters, Triveni Continental Kings, Alaskan Knights and Alpine APL Pipers — will finalise their squads before the battle for the Season 4 title begins in Bengaluru.