If you’ve been following the anticipation of the Global Chess League 2025, you must know that Richard Rapport is back with a vengeance, and this time, with the American Gambits. After two seasons of heartbreak, finishing as runners-up both times, first with the Alpine SG Pipers and the Ganges Grandmasters in the second, the Hungarian grandmaster is already in Mumbai for Season 3. As they say, the third time’s the charm; he might actually win the tournament this time. So, what does Richard Rapport think about this? Let’s take a look.
Richard Rapport Hopes For A Third Time Charm
Richard Rapport now joins forces with chess legend Hikaru Nakamura and powerhouse Bibisara Assaubayeva in the Gambits squad. They snapped him up at the epic player draft, alongside Vladislav Artemiev, Teodora Injac, and prodigy Volodar Murzin. American Gambits co-owner Prachura PP didn’t hold back, even blowing past their budget cap just to bag Rapport. “Our goal is to win the trophy,” he declared, backed by cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin.
Rapport’s no stranger to the Global Chess League spotlight. Known for his dynamic style that keeps opponents guessing, he’s fresh off a stellar 2025, crushing foes in opens like Oskemen and the UzChess Cup. He even helped Ding Liren snag the World Championship in 2023 as a second. But GCL? It’s been a tease. Last season, he switched allegiances and beat his old team, then apologised like a true gent. Now with Gambits, he’s eyeing that elusive title, especially as India hosts for the first time, bringing the heat with stars like Gukesh and Pragg.
“We hope to play the final and win the tournament. My teams were good, but could not play the final. Last year in London, we had players like Magnus Carlsen, Hou Yifan and R. Praggnanandhaa, and we played very well too, but the results weren’t there,” the World No. 13 told Sportstar over the phone on Wednesday.
“Every chess tournament I have played recently had some minor issues, but GCL was very smooth overall. So overall, it was also very nice. I must admit I had a nicer time in Dubai, but I played better in London,” he added
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Also read: Anish Giri Joins Alpine SG Pipers For Global Chess League 2025
