The Global Chess League (GCL) has launched Road2GCL, a six-week community engagement initiative, on the occasion of World Chess Day ahead of its fourth season, which will be held in Bengaluru from September 3 to 14.
Organised by the GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, the initiative aims to bring together players, schools, chess clubs, creators and fans through competitions, community events and creator-led activities. The programme is designed to extend the excitement of the league beyond the tournament and encourage greater participation in the sport.
A key highlight of Road2GCL is the Road2GCL Contenders competition, which offers aspiring players an opportunity to compete against Global Chess League stars through a multi-stage qualification process. Last year’s winners included Jose Martinez (Open), WGM Mai Narva (Women’s) and IM Faustino Oro (Under-21).
GCL Commissioner Gourav Rakshit said the initiative reflects the league’s vision of making chess more accessible and engaging for people of all ages while strengthening the global chess community.
Season 4 will feature 36 Grandmasters representing six franchises. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen will return to the league and compete in India for the first time, while reigning FIDE Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh is set to make her Global Chess League debut.
Viswanathan Anand with fans at Global Chess League
The Road2GCL campaign will also include Shining Stars, which promotes chess activities in schools and clubs, and Road2GCL Creators, a creator-led programme aimed at introducing new audiences to the league. The initiative continues GCL’s mission of expanding chess through innovation and community participation ahead of the opening moves in Bengaluru.
