India, December 23, 2025: Alpine SG Pipers pulled off a major upset to defeat two-time defending champions Triveni Continental Kings and win the third edition of the Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE. PBG Alaskan Knights finished third after edging past Ganges Grandmasters in a dramatic playoff.
After qualifying for the final by the narrowest margin, the Pipers produced a dominant performance, winning the first rapid match 4-2 with black pieces and sealing the title with a convincing 4.5-1.5 victory with white. Nino Batsiashvili and Leon Luke Mendonca starred on the prodigy boards, while Anish Giri claimed two crucial wins and was named Player of the Match.
Despite strong performances from Alireza Firouzja, who defeated Fabiano Caruana and was later named Male Player of the Tournament, the Continental Kings fell short. Hou Yifan of the Pipers was awarded Female Player of the Tournament for her consistent contributions.
In the third-place playoff, world champion D Gukesh delivered under pressure, defeating Viswanathan Anand to help PBG Alaskan Knights clinch the tie after blitz tie-breaks. Arjun Erigaisi also played a key role with dominant displays across formats.
The GCL finale lived up to expectations, delivering high-quality chess and thrilling finishes.
