India, August 29, 2025: The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has announced the launch of GCL Contenders 2025, a first-of-its-kind global tournament that creates a structured pathway for aspiring players to join the world’s only franchise-based chess league. Developed in partnership with Chess.com, the two-month competition will identify three winners—one each from Male, Female, and U21 categories—who will debut as league ambassadors in GCL Season 3, playing alongside Grandmasters on the global stage.
The format begins with digital qualifiers on Chess.com, progresses through live-streamed knockouts on YouTube and Twitch, and culminates in a final round featuring both professional and emerging players. To participate, players must have an active Chess.com account with at least 25 games played and adhere to strict fair play protocols.
Highlighting the initiative, Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said: “With GCL Contenders, we are opening the stage to aspiring players worldwide, allowing them to potentially compete alongside the world’s greatest Grandmasters. This is more than a tournament—it’s a landmark step for the global chess community.”
Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, added: “The GCL is an innovative concept that has already expanded chess audiences. With Contenders, we’re bringing professionals and non-professionals together in a unique competitive ecosystem.”
Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com, noted: “The first two seasons of GCL proved the appeal of team-based chess. With Contenders, we’re building an even deeper ecosystem—and India is the perfect host for Season 3.”
Uniting players across six time zones—from India to the USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific—GCL Contenders 2025 blends inclusivity, technology, and digital-first engagement, further strengthening its reputation as the world’s most innovative chess ecosystem.
