Ravichandran Ashwin & Viswanathan Anand Join Global Chess League as Franchise Owners

Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian cricketer, has made a surprising move into the world of chess by acquiring a stake in the American Gambits, the newest franchise in the Global Chess League. The emergence of franchise leagues in various sports has been evident, and now chess has joined the bandwagon with the launch of this exciting new league.

The Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is set to enter its second edition later this year in London. Ashwin, along with business leaders Prachura PP and Venkat K Narayana, will co-own the American Gambits, replacing the Chingari Gulf Titans in the competition.

In a statement, Ashwin expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “We’re thrilled to introduce the American Gambits to the chess world. With a blend of strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, our team aims to redefine the game. As co-owner, I’m excited to witness their journey and contribute to their success.”

Five-time World Chess champion Viswanathan Anand also congratulated Ashwin on his move into the world of chess, highlighting his competitive spirit and wishing him luck in London. The CEO of the Global Chess League, Sameer Pathak, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating that the league has found the right partners to strengthen its global reach.

The competition will see teams playing 10 games in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match determined by a best of six board scoring system. Teams will play across black and white pieces, with all six players in each team involved in the first five games before a reverse round with the colors reversed.

With Ashwin’s entry into the world of chess and the upcoming season of the Global Chess League, fans can expect an exciting and competitive display of strategic brilliance on the chessboard.