When the Global Chess League (GCL) returns for its third season from December 13 to 24, 2025, it will not be just another tournament. For India, and particularly for Chennai, it is an emotional homecoming. The city has long been known as the cradle of Indian chess, producing champions like Viswanathan Anand, R Praggnanandhaa, and the reigning world champion D Gukesh. To see all three as headline “Icon” players in the GCL draft on September 26 is a moment of pride for Indian chess enthusiasts. 

Chess has often been called a game of minds, but in India, it is more than that it is a game of dreams, families sacrificing, children training in small clubs, and young players growing into world beaters. The GCL brings those stories to the forefront on a global stage.

The Draft: A Gathering of Giants

The draft is the heartbeat of the Global Chess League, and this year’s 36-player pool reads like a who’s who of world chess. Alongside India’s stars D Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand, and R Praggnanandhaa, the lineup features American crowd favorites Hikaru Nakamura, whose online presence has made him a global sensation, and Fabiano Caruana, a former World Championship challenger renowned for his deep preparation. 

France is strongly represented with the prodigy Alireza Firouzja, often seen as the natural heir to Magnus Carlsen, and the blitz maestro Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Adding to the mix is the witty yet precise Anish Giri of the Netherlands, India’s fast-rising talent Arjun Erigaisi, the legendary four-time women’s world champion Hou Yifan from China, and India’s own Koneru Humpy, a World Cup finalist and an icon in women’s chess. This blend of legends, trailblazers, and emerging stars highlights the growing universality of the game and ensures that the GCL draft will be as exciting as the matches themselves.

The Format: Franchises and Team Spirit

The GCL is unique because it blends the individual brilliance of chess with the spirit of team competition. Modeled after franchise-based leagues in cricket or football, six teams will be formed from the draft pool. Each team will include both men and women players, ensuring balance and diversity. This format not only gives fans a fresh way to enjoy chess but also allows young talents to learn directly from experienced champions in a team environment. The synergy between Anand’s wisdom, Gukesh’s calm precision, and Praggnanandhaa’s creativity could inspire the next generation.

Why Chennai Matters

Hosting the league in Chennai carries a symbolic weight. It is where Viswanathan Anand was born and where a chess revolution quietly began decades ago. Families in the city pushed their children to pursue the sport, coaches nurtured raw talent, and today, India stands at the center of the chess world. For Gukesh, who became the youngest world champion earlier this year, playing in front of home fans will be a dream.  For Praggnanandhaa, who started his chess journey in Chennai, it will be a return to his roots. And for Anand, the man who sparked it all, it is a celebration of his legacy.

Women at the Forefront

The inclusion of Hou Yifan and Koneru Humpy as part of the draft underscores the GCL’s commitment to gender equality in chess. Their presence is not tokenism; it is recognition of their immense achievements. Hou has consistently competed with the very best, while Humpy’s resilience and consistency have made her a role model for countless young Indian girls. This balance of men and women at the highest level reflects chess’ true spirit a battle of minds where gender is no barrier.

The Bigger Picture

The GCL is not just about entertainment; it is about the commercial and cultural growth of chess. With Tech Mahindra and FIDE joining hands, the league is an experiment in bringing chess closer to mainstream sports. Franchise formats attract sponsors, global audiences, and television coverage. They also play a role in building the next generation of stars. Young Indian talents, inspired by Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, may see this league as their stepping stone to greatness. 

The Global Chess League Season 3 is more than just another tournament; it is a celebration of Chennai, of India’s rise in world chess, and of the human spirit behind every move. As the draft unfolds on September 26, fans will not only be waiting to see which player joins which franchise but also reliving the pride of seeing their heroes Anand, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. Chess, once seen as a niche pursuit, is now commanding stadiums, sponsors, and screens. And at the heart of it is Chennai, the city where kings and queens are not just pieces on a board but dreams in motion.