upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.upGrad Mumba Masters v American Gambits

  1. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs Hikaru Nakamura

Maxime Vachier-Lagrav enters Season 2 of the Global Chess League on the back of a notable tournament win at the CrunchLabs Masters, where he defeated reigning GCL champion Alireza Firouzja. He has had strong performances recently in other elite chess tournaments, strengthening his case as one of the formidable icons in this league. On the other side, Hikaru Nakamura representing the American Gambits—making their debut this year—has held a stable form. Season 1 of the GCL saw Vachier-Lagrave playing for the upGrad Mumba Masters, scoring major points and contributing to the team securing second place overall, consistently maintaining his performance across different matches. Some notable battles included his head-to-head match with world icons, securing draws against tough opponents like Vishy Anand and Sergey Karjakin. Nakamura was absent in the first season, so specific GCL data on him is unavailable; however, his well-known aggressive and tactical style will make their board 1 matchups particularly challenging for rivals, including Vachier-Lagrave.Both players are known for their deep opening knowledge and quick adaptability, which will be crucial in their head-to-head encounters in the GCL

  1. Vidit Gujrathi vs. Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Vidit Gujrathi, currently rated 2674, has been a consistent performer in international tournaments, showing a particular strength in rapid formats. He won the Tata Steel Challengers in 2018 and has a history of strong performances in various championships. On the other hand, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, rated 2745, entered the super grandmaster status earlier, having won the 2021 FIDE World Cup and earning a spot in the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

  1. Peter Svidler vs. Yu Yangyi

Peter Svidler of upGrad Mumba Masters, with a classical rating of 2709, brings his extensive experience as an eight-time Russian champion and three-time World Championship candidate to his match against Yu Yangyi of American Gambits who holds a classical rating of 2711. Svidler, known for his mastery in Grünfeld and King’s Indian defences, will face a significant challenge against Yu, a strong rapid and blitz player with World Junior Champion and Asian Continental Champion titles to his name. Yu’s aggressive play style, particularly in rapid formats, could pose a stylistic contrast to Svidler’s depth in classical formats.

  1. Koneru Humpy vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

Koneru Humpy, who plays for the upGrad Mumba Masters and has a rating of 2453, is known for her strong endgame skills. She’s facing Bibisara Assaubayeva from the American Gambits, who has a rating of 2439. Assaubayeva is only 20 years old and has already won the Women’s World Blitz Championships twice, in 2021 and 2022. This game will be interesting as it features Humpy’s experience and strategic play against Assaubayeva’s youthful and aggressive style. 

  1. Harika Dronavalli vs. Elisabeth Paehtz

Harika Dronavalli, with her current form and historical performances, clearly shows her prowess in the chess world, especially highlighted by her recent run to the finals in the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship and her board one position for the gold-winning Indian team at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Known for her strong positional setups, her rating of 2414 in rapid games is a testament to her skills. Elisabeth Paehtz, rated slightly higher at 2409 in rapid play, brings a solid game to the board as well, having secured her Grandmaster title in November 2022. Paehtz also boasts a commendable history with championship titles including the World Junior Girls Championship and the 2018 European Women’s Rapid Championship.

  1. Raunak Sadhwani vs. Jonas Buhl Bjerre

Raunak Sadhwani and Jonas Buhl Bjerre are both young and ambitious chess talents. Sadhwani, the prodigy from India, stands with ratings of 2659 in Classical, 2583 in Rapid, and 2663 in Blitz. His most played openings with white include the London System and the Caro-Kann Defense, while in the black pieces, he favours the Ruy López Opening, particularly the Cozio and Berlin Defenses. On the other hand, Jonas Buhl Bjerre from Denmark shows a strong preference for aggressive play, with the Sicilian Defense being a common choice in both white and black games, and maintains ratings of 2650 in Classical, 2545 in Rapid, and 2508 in Blitz. Last season, Bjerre’s performance highlighted his capability under pressure, notably in a tough match where he secured significant wins. Notably, this will be an encounter between players whose forms have been on the rise as both entered the top 100 in late 2023.

Ganges Grandmasters  v Alpine Sg Pipers

  1. Viswanathan Anand vs. Magnus Carlsen

Viswanathan Anand, with a classical rating of 2749, heads into the Global Chess League 2024 as the Icon player for the Ganges Grandmasters, while Magnus Carlsen plays the same role for the SG Alpine Pipers, boasting a higher classical rating of 2834. Last season, Carlsen outperformed Anand directly in head-to-head play, scoring 4 game points to Anand’s 0. Both players had conflicting results through Season 1; Carlsen’s team, SG Alpine Pipers, struggled overall, finishing with a negative game differential despite his personal success on the board. Conversely, Anand’s Ganges Grandmasters performed better collectively, securing third place in the season’s standings. Anand, historically one of the fastest players in the world, may face challenges against Carlsen, known for his endgame prowess and positional play, which has dominated recent world chess.

  1. Arjun Erigaisi vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu

Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa R are set to play again, both coming into the match in good form. Last season in the GCL, Praggnanandhaa scored wins and draws, helping his team, SG Alpine Pipers, beat Triveni Continental Kings in one match. Arjun, despite some losses and draws, has great rapid and blitz results, but needs consistency. Currently, Arjun ranks higher globally in classical chess than Praggnanandhaa, which could give him a slight advantage. Last season, their game ended in a draw, showing they’re evenly matched. Both prefer attacking play, Arjun known for aggressive tactics and Praggnanandhaa for handling dynamic situations well.

  1. Parham Maghsoodloo vs. Richard Rapport

Richard Rapport had a decent Season 1, but his team, Ganges Grandmasters, had an average performance, ending up with a score of 15 from 10 matches. Coming into the new season, both players have shown strong performances in recent tournaments. Maghsoodloo has maintained his status as the top player in Iran and is known for his strategic play which he will aim to utilise in his debut season. On the other hand, Rapport’s recent participation in elite tournaments like the FIDE Candidates and his win over Magnus Carlsen have kept him in competitive shape. This head-to-head will be a clash of Maghsoodloo’s tactical strength against Rapport’s creative approach, each bringing distinct styles to the board.

  1. Vaishali Rameshbabu vs. Hou Yifan

Vaishali recently won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss and often plays aggressive openings like the Sicilian Defense. Her opponent, Hou Yifan from Alpine SG Pipers, is rated 2535 and favours strategic games, often using the Ruy López Opening. Both players have recently been successful, with Hou winning the 2023 Women’s Speed Chess Championship. Last season, their teams each scored 15 game points. In previous matches, Hou showed strong performance by securing wins in important games.

  1. Nurgyul Salimova vs. Kateryna Lagno

Salimova, with a classical rating of 2320, played notably well last year, securing a silver in Bulgarian Nationals and is a key player for the Ganges Grandmasters. Lagno, rated 2463 in classical, brings experience and depth to the Alpine SG Pipers team. Their contrasting styles, Salimova’s aggressive play versus Lagno’s strategic approach, will be crucial in this match.

  1. Volodar Murzin vs. Daniel Dardha

Murzin has a Classical rating of 2648 and prefers aggressive tactics, often using various Sicilian Defense strategies with white pieces. Dardha, rated 2604 in Classical, balances his game with solid defences like the Ruy López Berlin and dynamic attacks using the Trompowsky Attack with white. This match will see Murzin’s aggressive play against Dardha’s versatile style. Murzin might have a slight advantage due to a higher rating and diverse experience, but Dardha’s recent progress in chess makes him a strong contender.

PBG Alaskan Knights v Triveni Continental Kings

  1. Anish Giri vs. Alireza Firouzja

Analyzing their recent form, Giri has been in high spirits following his first win at the Tata Steel Masters in 2023, while Firouzja has showcased exceptional growth, his victory in the Chess.com Classic in May 2024 particularly notable as he outplayed Magnus Carlsen. From last season, Giri’s gameplay demonstrated effective defence. Firouzja, on the other hand, had a meteoric rise in rankings and showed aggressive play contributing significantly to his team’s successes. There was no direct face-off between Giri and Firouzja in GCL Season 1. However, considering their playing styles — Giri with his solid play being hard to defeat and Firouzja’s aggressive strategies — the tactical clash will likely hinge on whether Firouzja can break through Giri’s defences. This match-up will be their first noted rivalry in GCL.

  1. Wei Yi vs. Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Wei Yi, coming off a strong recent performance, looks to maintain his momentum against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of PBG Alaskan Knights, boasting a current world ranking of sixth. Wei’s aggressive style may clash interestingly with Abdusattorov’s record of significant victories, including being the youngest World Rapid Champion. Last season, Wei Yi scored points consistently, notably winning over strong players, reflecting his ranking climb by winning the Tata Steel Tournament. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, has shown formidable rapid play and high-profile wins against top players. Both players show no direct head-to-head games from last season.

  1. Teimour Radjabov vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov

Radjabov is known for strong strategic play and had a mixed last season with both wins and draws showing his skill at high-pressure moments. Mamedyarov is aggressive and tactical, also performing well last year. Their match-up last season was evenly matched, showing neither could consistently outplay the other. This game will likely be a close one, where their different styles will clash.

  1. Alexandra Kosteniuk vs. Tan Zhongyi 

Kosteniuk, with a long history in chess including a world championship win, played a lot of draws last season and usually plays a steady, defensive game. Tan, also a former world champion, recently showed strong, attacking chess in winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Last season, she won important games for her team. Kosteniuk and Tan didn’t face each other last season, but in this match, Kosteniuk’s experience will be up against Tan’s aggressive style.

  1. Alina Kashlinskaya vs. Valentina Gunina

Kashlinskaya, rated at 2398 in Blitz, has a knack for fast-paced games, always bringing aggressive strategies, especially seen in her favourite opening, the Slav Defense. However, Gunina, with a Blitz rating of 2360, is a powerful player known for winning multiple European Women’s Titles and is also great in rapid settings, routinely opening her games with 1.d4. Last season, when they played against each other, the game ended in a draw, showing how evenly matched they are. 

  1. Javokhir Sindarov vs. Nihal Sarin

Javokhir Sindarov and Nihal Sarin are both strong chess players who had a good year. Sindarov is playing for Triveni Continental Kings this season. Last season, he played well, scoring 9 game points across 10 matches, helping his team achieve a good standing. He is known for his powerful and aggressive style of play. On the other hand, Sarin, who will play for PBG Alaskan Knights, has shown his skill in different international competitions and has contributed solid game points for his team. Sarin also plays aggressively, which makes both players quite similar in their approach to the game. Their upcoming match is expected to be intense because both have faced each other before with games that were critical for their teams.

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