The Global Chess League, a collaborative venture by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Tech Mahindra, is gearing up for its second installment in London, following the inaugural success in Dubai. This league, aiming to bring together the world's premier chess talents in one of history's most iconic cities, will run for 10 days from October 3-12, 2024, at Friends House in central London. Responding to global fan feedback, London was chosen to engage with the burgeoning chess community in Europe. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, expressed enthusiasm, stating, 'After a tremendous response to the first season, we are eager to further our mission of global chess expansion and enriching fan experiences.' He praised Tech Mahindra's dedication to modernizing the chess environment, anticipating a boost for the sport in the upcoming season.
FIDE and Tech Mahindra are set to transform the chess fan experience through a novel format and ecosystem, offering a supportive platform akin to major sports leagues. The second edition will showcase global chess champions and emerging talents in a strategic, collaborative, and high-stakes team format. Mohit Joshi, CEO and MD of Tech Mahindra, highlighted the parallels between chess and business, noting the potential of technology in both. He emphasized the league's role in global chess development.
Building on its initial success, the league plans to expand its audience through live streaming, interactive experiences, and community events, including the upcoming Global Chess League Trophy Tour. The tournament will feature teams of six, including two top female players and a prodigy, competing in a double round-robin format with a best-of-six board scoring system. Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the Global Chess League Board, committed to using innovative formats and next-gen technologies to engage fans globally, noting high anticipation from partners and stakeholders.