Global Chess League 2024: All about Alpine SG Pipers

The team was a fan favorite in the inaugural edition, boasting a lineup that included Magnus Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Gukesh. This year, they opted to retain both Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa, creating a formidable duo at the top two boards. To further strengthen their roster, they secured Richard Rapport for the third board. Recently, Rapport showcased his prowess by defeating Carlsen in just 23 moves at the World Rapid Team Championships 2023, underscoring his exceptional form. The team made a significant investment in the women's section, acquiring the world number one, Hou Yifan, who brings a wealth of experience and skill. Additionally, they selected Kateryna Lagno, a multiple-time world champion in rapid and blitz chess, for the fifth board. Completing the lineup is the promising young talent from Belgium, Daniel Dardha, on the sixth board.

Coach GM Pravin Thipsay's strategic vision for the draft revolved around assembling a team with the highest possible Elo ratings, and they successfully achieved this goal. The combination of seasoned champions and rising stars creates a dynamic and competitive squad that is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. With such a well-rounded lineup, the team is undoubtedly one to watch as they aim for success in the upcoming matches.