10 things that made Global Chess League 2025 special
Some events stay with you even if you were not physically there. The Global Chess League 2025 was one such experience. Through conversations, stories, photos, and videos, the league felt alive, energetic, and unforgettable. It showed how chess can bring together world-class competition, passionate fans, and a sense of community. There were iconic matchups, interesting games, moments that made people smile, in short, this edition had it all. At the Global Chess League, chess is presented in a way that feels modern, inclusive and full of emotion. In this article, we cover ten things that made this edition of the Global Chess League special. Photo: Global Chess League
A chess league or a festival?
You know that feeling when you hear about an event so vividly from a friend that it feels like you were there? That’s what happened with me with the Global Chess League 2025. After hearing stories from people who attended the event, and after going through the pictures and videos, I felt like I had walked through the venue myself. All the editions of this event have proved that chess can be just as thrilling as any team sport.
Here are ten things that made this edition of the Global Chess League truly unforgettable:
1. A gathering of giants
With the exception of Magnus Carlsen, 14 of the top 15 in the world were present. That alone speaks volumes about how strong this league was. What made it even more exciting was seeing all these top players under one roof for a team battle. Imagine the “IQI” of the event! Talents were spread across teams, which created more clashes between the best. Most importantly, fans got to see matchups they might spend years hoping for!
2. Mumbai’s love for chess
The turnout was incredible. Be it weekdays or weekends, mornings or evenings, the venue was always full of people who simply wanted to be a part of this grand event! Everyday fans arrived with the same energy and curiosity. They were the heartbeat of the event. They were excited to get autographs, selfies, and talk to the players. Players responding with warmth was even nicer!
3. A playing hall that felt like a livestream
This was a game-changer! All the fans inside the playing hall had headphones. They could watch players’ expressions live while simultaneously tuning into the live stream’s insights through headphones. It blurred the line between watching online and being present at the venue. Fans got the best of both worlds!
4. The soul of GCL: the fan zone
The fan zone was thoughtfully designed and full of life. It was a space you wanted to return to again and again. There was live commentary on a big screen, comfortable seating, and a space that felt easy to be in. Also, we organised a chess camp during GCL where fans could solve sheets and play games. The cherry on the top was three tournaments that were held during the same time in the venue. It was an opportunity where fans could feel like a part of the league.
One special highlight of the fan zone was the ambassadors. The reserve players like José Martinez, Daniil Dubov, Pranav Anand, and Pranav V visited the fan zone, interacted with fans and also gave simuls. Credit goes to the organisers who made this happen just to make sure fans get the best possible experience.
5. Not just backers, but believers
The team owners were not like distant figures. They were there. Every day. You would see them in the playing hall as some of the most invested fans in the room. Their involvement showed how seriously they took their role and how invested they were in their teams’ journeys.
Each team had their managers who would ensure that every single need of the players is taken care off. We got to know that some teams told their players that they can order food in their room instead of coming to the buffet, just to ensure that they saved a precious few minutes that would help them in their preparation. Some teams gave their players iPhone after the tournament ended, some took them for sightseeing and relaxation in between the tournament to rejuvenate. The players were treated in a very special way at this tournament.
6. A match everyone talked about
The matchup between the World Champion Gukesh and his mentor, the five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, was one of the most anticipated moments of the event. They faced each other six times across the league. Anand won two games, Gukesh one, and three games ended in draws. Gukesh also referred to Anand as “God” after his team won the 3rd place match against Anand's team. Playing against someone who inspired him in his early years and then became his mentor was not at all an easy thing for Gukesh!
7. The brilliant MVPs
Alireza Firouzja of the Triveni Continental Kings finished the season on 7.5 points from 10 games, which earned him the Most Valuable Player award. He couldn’t have asked for a better start, winning his first five games in a row, including a round-two victory over the reigning world champion, Gukesh D. The icon player of the Triveni Continental Kings opted for the Symmetrical Variation against Gukesh’s English and wasted little time showing his hand, expanding on the queenside with 5…a6, 6…Rb8, and 7…b5.
That said, the action soon swung to the other side, where Firouzja managed to create weaknesses around Gukesh’s king.
Chipping away at the weakened monarch, Firouzja pressed on with 23...h5. Here, Nb6, first forcing the black rook off the open c-file, followed by f3 offered the best chance to keep the position together...
Instead, Gukesh D went for 24. f3 straight away, and that proved costly. After 24.f3 hxg4 25.hxg4 Bh6 26.Qxb4 Bf4 27.Qe1 Qh2+ 28.Kf1 Nd5 29.Qf2 Rc2, Black brought every piece into the attack, and White’s position began to come apart rapidly!
While Firouzja dominated the open section, the women’s honours went to Hou Yifan of the Alpine SG Pipers. The world’s top-ranked female player was named the Most Valuable Player among the women, and she underlined her class in the finals with a fine victory over Kateryna Lagno.
Most players would instinctively reach for 13.Nxd5. However, that allows 13...g4, after which Black remains very much in the game, although slightly worse. Instead, Hou Yifan found the stunning 13.Bxg5! , leaving her piece on c4 en prise. The point was to seize control of the all-important h-file. After 13...Nxg5 14.hxg5 dxc4 15.Qh5, White is already in a crushing position.
Kateryna Lagno tried to muddy the waters with 15...Bxf2+ 16.Kxf2 Qd4+ 17.Kg2 Qd7, hoping for relief via a queen exchange after Qg4+. Hou Yifan, however, closed the door with 18.Nd5. Now Qg4+ Qxg4 Bxg4 is of no help, as White has Ne7+ to follow, and after Rh1, mate is inevitable. The Russian opted 18...Rd8 instead, but following 19.Kh2 Qd6 20.g6, there was little left to be done, and she called it a day.
8. The army behind the scenes
None of this just happened. A production of this scale requires a massive team. The support staff worked tirelessly throughout the event and because of their amazing coordination, the event became an unforgettable experience for everyone.
9. The visionary organisers
It all goes back to Anand Mahindra’s vision from 2020. His efforts, along with League Commissioner Gourav Rakshit and COO Dhiraj Adya, putting their resources and personal passion into the sport was inspiring to see. Hats off to the Tech Mahindra team for caring about every single detail and the way they are promoting chess.
This year it felt like the league and the Tech Mahindra team with its huge resources were working closely in sync with each other. An example of this is the chess experience center that has been created by the Tech Mahindra team on the top floor of their office in Dallas, Texas. We could see some of the long-time clients of Tech Mahindra like Google Cloud were involved in the tournament as sponsors. With the format becoming exciting, team owners getting more involved, Tech Mahindra getting aligned and the players enjoying themselves, this league promises to go from strength to strength in the coming days!
10. Relive the magic
And the games! You should definitely check out the tactics and positions from the Global Chess League on Chessranga. It is a great way to go back to the league and feel a bit of that excitement all over again.
Fabiano Caruana vs D Gukesh
Solve the tactic here.
Kosteniuk Alexandra vs Injac Teodora
Solve the tactic here.
Mendonca Leon Luke vs Daneshvar Bardiya
Solve the tactic here.
Checkout all the tactics from Global Chess League
What can be improved?
The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League has got most of the things in order. If there is one feedback that we have received unanimously from all ends - it is related to the names of the teams. The teams right now have words like Alpine, Continental, Ganges, Alaskan etc. These are not relatable to anyone in the chess ecosystem - not the players nor the spectators. It is difficult to associate yourself with a team. Right now the easiest way to associate with a team at the Global Chess League is to think of the Icon player. For eg. Vishy Anand has been with the Ganges Grandmasters for 3 editions now. However, in this regard, some icon players are often unable to participate, or new icon players are created each year. This year we had Fabiano Caruana taking part in GCL for the first time and also the World Champion D. Gukesh. The crowd has slowly started to associate PBG Alaskan Knights with Gukesh. However, it is quite possible that he might be on a different team next year. This also makes it difficult for the spectators to root for a specific team. While this is a complex issue to resolve, if it can be, the league is bound to attract new audiences and loyal fans!
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