Mumbai, Sep 26, 2025

World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh and compatriot Arjun Erigaisi came together in a dream teammates as the Global Chess League (GCL) launched its third season with an intense player draft in Mumbai on Friday. The PBG Alaskan Knights made a major move by acquiring India’s top players Gukesh and Arjun.

Meanwhile, debutant American GM Wesley So sparked a heated bidding war before joining the Mumba Masters, as six teams assembled their squads. The league is scheduled to take place at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, 2025.

Building on the momentum from Dubai (2023) and London (2024), Season 3 signifies GCL’s debut in India, the birthplace of both chess and the league concept.

The draft kicked off on Friday with the Icon Round, where Alpine SG Pipers selec

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