Global Chess League Begins in Dubai

The world strongest players are entering the field.

The Global Chess League, a super tournament with an innovative format and a stellar lineup, was officially opened in Dubai on 21 June. Six teams will play a double round-robin rapid event (15+10), and two best teams will determine the winner in the Final. 

Each team consists of six players: one Icon, two male players, two female players, and one player born in 2002 or later. 

The tournament has brought together the world strongest grandmasters:

Alpine Warriors: Magnus Carlsen, Arjun Erigaisi, Dommaraju Gukesh, Elisabeth Paehtz, Irina Krush, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa; 

Balan Alaskan Knights: Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Teimour Radjabov, Tan Zhongyi, Nino Batsiashvili, and Raunak Sadhwani;

Chingari Gulf Titans: Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Daniil Dubov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Polina Shuvalova, and Nihal Sarin;

Ganges Grandmasters: Viswanathan Anand, Leinier Dominguez, Richard Rapport, Hou Yifan, Bella Khotenashvili, and Andrey Esipenko;

Triveni Continental Kings: Levon Aronian, Wei Yi, Yu Yangyi, Nana Dzagnidze, Katerina Lagno, and Jonas Buhl Bjerre;

upGrad Mumba Masters: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Alexander Grischuk, Vidit Gujrathi, Humpy Koneru, Dronavalli Harika, and Javokhir Sindarov.  

In each encounter, both game points (GP) and match points (MP) are awarded. 

Game points: 4 GP for a game won with the black pieces; 3 GP for a game won by white pieces; 1 GP for a draw; 0 GP for a loss.

Match points: 3 MP - the team scores more GP than the opponent; 1 MP - if both teams are level on GP; 0 MP - the team scores less GP than the opponent.

Two teams with the most MP qualify for the Final, which is played over best-of-2 matches. In case of a tie, a playoff will follow. 

Schedule: 22 June - 1 July - Double round-robin event and 2 July - the Final. 

Official website

Regulations