Vishy Anand, the five-time world champion, claims the Global Chess League (GCL) is straight-up “like the IPL” of chess, packed with star power, team drama, and that electric vibe that hooks millions. And get this: the man of the moment in world chess? He’s Anand’s own teammate in the league. So, what exactly did he say? Let’s take a look.
Why Global Chess League Feels Like IPL Fever
Vishy Anand isn’t just hyping it up; he’s living it. The Global Chess League brings franchise teams crashing together like IPL giants. Six teams, double round-robin action, and a points twist: wins with black get four points, white three, draws one each. It’s designed to spark fights, not snoozes, just like cricket’s T20 blasts.
The league’s got that IPL magic: Indian owners, global stars, and fan hooks like fantasy gaming, Metaverse avatars, and commentary from legends like Peter Svidler and Samay Raina. Anand’s Ganges crew boasts Richard Rapport, Leinier Dominguez, and more, turning chess into a team spectacle. “It’s made for television,” Anand once said, and boy, does it deliver edge-of-your-seat battles.
What Did Vishy Anand Say?
Vishy Anand told The Hindu, “The fact that it is happening in Mumbai makes it special. And I think the league is improving year after year. It is going to be a great feeling to have the league at home for the first time. The league is presenting chess in a new way, focusing on the visual effect, and the team dynamics, and all that.”
“I think they will borrow a lot of ideas from other successful Indian leagues, like the IPL. Mumbai is a great venue for the event, and brings it very close to all the Indian fans,” he added
Read More
Spotlight On The “Man of the Moment”
Anand spilt the beans on his teammate, who’s stealing the show right now, the chess world’s hottest talent lighting up boards everywhere. Anand’s eyes light up talking about team bonds, strategy sessions, and those clutch wins that echo franchise rivalries.
“Vincent has been the hot player this year, but Javokhir has been spectacular over the last couple of months. That clearly will help our team. I have been noticing that Javokhir’s strength has been improving a lot, but there is always a moment when it accelerates, and right now it feels he is the man of the moment,” he said
Vishy Anand’s backing as an icon hypes season three with fresh drama. As he puts it, it’s bonding with new minds, pushing chess to IPL heights, television-ready, fan-packed, and impossible to ignore.
Also read: Freestyle Grand Slam Tour 2025: Results And Prize Money
