Global Chess League Draft: Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy to play on same team – full lineups here

ByTech Word News

Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy The player draft for the Global Chess League (GCL) Season 4 created a lot of excitement on Monday, with India’s Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerging as one of the most sought-after players. After a bidding battle, Sarin was signed by American Gambits, adding further strength to a team that already includes 2026 Candidates champion Javokhir Sindarov. The fourth edition of the franchise league will be held in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13 and will feature some of the world’s top chess stars.After being named MVP in Season 2, Sarin, who has qualified for the World Esports Championship and will also represent India at the Esports Nations Cup later this year, has emerged as one of the draft picks. American Gambits secured the 22-year-old after intense competition and assembled a young squad that also includes Daniil Dubov, Sara Khadem, Bibisar Assaubayeva and Marc’Andria Maurizzi.Defending champions Alpine APL Pipers have retained Norwegian superstar Magnus Carlsen and added Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, Indian veteran Konera Humpy, Vidit Gujrathi and reigning World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin to support their title defence.In one of the biggest moves of the draft, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand switched teams for the first time in Global Chess League history, joining the PBG Alaskan Knights alongside Arjun Erigaisi. Young Turkish talents Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Nino Batsiashvili have also joined the franchise.Meanwhile, Ganges Grandmasters signed Ian Nepomniachtchi and brought back Levon Aronian after a two-season absence, while Triveni Continental Kings retained Alireza Firouzja and strengthened their squad with Aravindh Chithambaram and Pranav Venkatesh. The Mumba Masters also retained much of its successful core as six teams finalized their squads for the upcoming season.

Global Chess League Season 4 Complete Lineups:

  • American Gambits: Javokhir Sindarov, Nihal Sarin, Daniil Dubov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Sara Khadem, Marc’Andria Maurizzi.
  • APL Pipers: Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, Volodar Murzin.
  • Ganga Grandmasters: Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Leinier Dominguez, Polina Shuvalova, Stavroula Tsolakidou, Leon Luke Mendonca.
  • Mumba Masters: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Vladimir Fedoseev, Carissa Yip, Harika Dronavalli, Bardiya Daneshvar.
  • Alaskan Knights: Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, Kateryna Lagno, Nino Batsiashvili, Abhimanyu Mishra.
  • Triveni Continental Kings: Alireza Firouzja, Wei Yi, Aravindh Chithambaram, Zhu Jiner, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Pranav Venkatesh.