The Global Chess League conducted its Season 4 player draft in Mumbai ahead of the Bengaluru edition from September 3 to 13. Nihal Sarin joined FYERS American Gambits, while Viswanathan Anand switched to PBG Alaskan Knights for the first time
Published Date – 29 June 2026, 08:39 PM
Hyderabad: The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, kicked off the countdown to Season 4, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13, with the player draft in Mumbai on Monday. The day was headlined by newly crowned Bullet Chess Champion and Season 2 MVP Nihal Sarin emerging as one of the most sought-after names before joining FYERS American Gambits. Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers strengthened their title defence around Magnus Carlsen and Women’s Chess World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, while Viswanathan Anand moved teams for the first time in league history to join Arjun Erigaisi at PBG Alaskan Knights.
Season 4 marks GCL’s continued commitment to India, the birthplace of chess and one of the fastest-growing forces in the global arena. Following three seasons across Dubai, London and Mumbai, the league now heads to Bengaluru, the hub of innovation and technology in India, at a time when the country continues to produce world champions and elite contenders, growing into a global chess powerhouse.
Speaking at the player draft, Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner, Global Chess League, said: “What began as an ambitious vision to reimagine chess as a modern global sports and entertainment property has, over the last three seasons, evolved into one of the marquee events on the international chess calendar. GCL has demonstrated that the future of the sport lies not in changing its essence, but in expanding how it is experienced. As we look ahead to Season 4, the focus remains on continuing to grow the game’s global relevance and reach.”
With Triveni Continental Kings, Alpine APL Pipers and upGrad Mumba Masters retaining their Icons, the draft began with FYERS American Gambits winning the battle for 2026 Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov. PBG Alaskan Knights and Ganges Grandmasters signed Anand and Ian Nepomniachtchi, respectively.
FYERS American Gambits then came away with one of the draft’s headline additions, winning a competitive battle to secure Sarin after the Indian became the first from the country to win the Bullet Chess Championship. One of the most in-demand names in the room, Nihal joins a young core featuring 2026 Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov, Daniil Dubov, Sara Khadem, Bibisara Assaubayeva and Marc’Andria Maurizzi.
Pravin Thipsay, coach of Alpine APL Pipers, said, “It’s going to be more challenging this year. We hope to retain the title this year, but I am sure all the other teams will be more motivated because everyone wants to beat the champions, particularly with Magnus Carlsen playing!”
