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GCL aims to cultivate a dedicated following for chess.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 24, 2026, 20:12 IST

A key objective of GCL is to cultivate a dedicated following for the game of chess.

GCL aims to cultivate a dedicated following for chess.

The Global Chess League (GCL) is set to return for its fourth season, commencing on September 5 in Bengaluru, following a successful third edition held in Mumbai last year. The event garnered significant attention from chess enthusiasts, who had the chance to interact with their favorite players at the Royal Opera House. Gourav Rakshit, the Commissioner of the GCL, expressed optimism about the upcoming season, emphasizing the league's commitment to enhancing fan engagement.

Enhanced Fan Experience in Bengaluru

In a recent conversation, Rakshit highlighted the lessons learned from the previous season, stating, “After Mumbai, we have a sense of what the Indian fan expects from the GCL, and we are looking forward to making it even bigger and better at Bengaluru.” He noted that the innovative broadcast methods employed last year, which allowed fans at the venue to listen to live commentary through headsets, were particularly well-received. “That novelty was welcomed by the fans,” he added, underscoring the league's mission to cultivate a robust chess fanbase.

This year, attendees can anticipate even more opportunities to connect with players. Rakshit mentioned the introduction of special sections within the fan zone, designed for direct interactions between fans and players. “The team owners too can interact with the fans, who will get a chance to experience a close connection with all the players,” he explained, indicating a shift towards a more immersive experience for attendees.

Innovative Features for Chess Enthusiasts

In addition to in-person interactions, the GCL is launching a new app aimed at enhancing the experience for chess fans. Rakshit noted that many fans are also chess players themselves, and the app will allow them to engage with the game in real-time. “Now this time we have got an app where they can actually play along with the Grandmaster,” he said. Users will be able to make their moves before the Grandmasters and observe the live positions on the board, creating a unique blend of participation and observation.

With these advancements, the GCL aims to provide fans both at the venue and at home with an enriched experience, moving beyond traditional streaming to a more interactive format. “We are excited that we will give the fans at home also a different opportunity to experience GCL, not just on the stream, but in action, live inside the app,” Rakshit concluded, setting the stage for an engaging season ahead.

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