This week in London, a remarkable event is taking place that brings together the world's elite chess players. The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) features Norway's world No. 1, Magnus Carlsen, as its star attraction. Joining him are seven other players from the top 12: Hikaru Nakamura (United States), Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, and Vishy Anand (India), Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), Alireza Firouzja (France), and Wei Yi (China), along with the world's top-rated woman, Hou Yifan (China).

Unfortunately, Russia's world No. 9 and double world title challenger, Ian Nepomniachtchi, along with two other Russian GMs, Alexander Grischuk and Vladislav Artemiev, were reportedly denied UK visas. However, Russian women GMs are participating, including Grischuk's wife, Kateryna Lagno.

The event is held at Friends House, Euston, with play starting at 1.05pm BST from October 3-12. Daily matches include three or four 40-minute games, with varying intervals between them. The opening match saw a 29-move brilliancy by Poland's Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who checkmated Indian Vidit Gujrathi.

Six franchise-based teams, each comprising three men and two women grandmasters plus an under-21 junior, will compete daily. The GCL claims to be the only professional sports league where men and women play together on the same team. The format is rapid chess, with 20 minutes per player for the entire game, increasing the likelihood of clock scrambles, blunders, and checkmate finishes.

Carlsen's team, Alpine Warriors, is considered the favorite. Carlsen arrives in London fresh from his victory in the online Julius Baer Cup. His team also includes the best women's pair: Hou Yifan, who is semi-retired but still retains her skills, and Kateryna Lagno, the world No. 7 with four world rapid and blitz titles.

Another player to watch is Firouzja, the in-form world No. 7, who won the Sinquefield Cup in August. His tactical talents have been compared to Mikhail Tal. India's Olympiad victory has been officially recognized, with each player awarded 20m rupees.

Carlsen is also involved in Freestyle Chess, a version where the back rank piece formation is randomly decided. This format is set to go global in 2025 with Grand Slam tournaments in the United States, South Africa, and near Hamburg, offering substantial prize funds.