What is the Global Chess League? Check details

The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) stands as the world’s first and largest official franchise chess league. A franchise league is characterized by teams that are privately owned and operated as independent businesses under the umbrella of the league. This model has proven successful in various sports, with notable examples like the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket and the National Football League (NFL) in American football.

The GCL aims to elevate the profile of chess, making it more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. By adopting the franchise model, the league brings a dynamic approach to the sport, encouraging competition and fostering a vibrant community of players and fans. Each franchise is equipped to showcase its unique identity, while still contributing to the overall growth of chess as a professional sport.

With the support of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, the GCL is poised to create a sustainable platform for chess, offering exciting opportunities for players and inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts. As the league continues to develop, it hopes to mirror the success of established sports franchises, ultimately enhancing the popularity and visibility of chess worldwide.

Tech Mahindra, a leading Indian multinational information technology services company, serves as the main sponsor of the Global Chess League. In partnership with the International Chess Federation, Tech Mahindra aims to elevate the game of chess through innovative formats and advanced technologies. This collaboration is focused on promoting chess globally and making it more accessible to a wider audience.

As the league evolves, teams participating in the GCL are expected to benefit from a revenue-sharing model. This model will encompass various income sources, including broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales. By leveraging these revenue streams, the league not only aims to enhance its financial sustainability but also to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Tech Mahindra's involvement underscores the company's commitment to fostering talent and expanding the reach of chess. By combining traditional elements of the game with modern promotional strategies, the GCL seeks to create a vibrant chess ecosystem that attracts fans, players, and sponsors alike, ultimately contributing to the growth and popularity of chess around the world.

In the Global Chess League, each match features all players from one team playing with the same color, a unique format compared to traditional team events. The tournament begins with a double round-robin structure, where each team competes against all other teams twice, once with each color. The time control for games is set at 20 minutes for the entire match, without any increment.

The scoring system also deviates from the norm. A victory with the black pieces earns a team 4 game points, while a win with white yields 3 game points. Draws are valued at 1 game point, and losses earn 0 points. In terms of match points, a team victory is worth 3 points, a tie gives 1 point, and a loss results in 0 points.

At the conclusion of the round-robin phase, the two teams with the highest match points advance to the finals, which consist of two matches. If the final result is tied, a series of blitz playoffs will determine the champion, ensuring an exciting conclusion to the tournament.