Mumbai, Sept. 26 -- The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint initiative between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, set the stage for Season 3 at a high-stakes Player Draft in Mumbai. PBG Alaskan Knights pulled off a blockbuster move by securing India's star duo Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi.

Debutant Wesley So triggered a fierce bidding battle before joining upGrad Mumba Masters as six franchises built their squads--with the league set to be played at Mumbai's Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, 2025.

Building on the momentum of Dubai (2023) and London (2024), Season 3 marks GCL's arrival in India, where both chess and the idea of the league were born. At the draft, the Icon Round set the ball rolling as Alpine SG Pipers snapped up Fabia...