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Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian cricketer, has ventured into the world of chess with the launch of his newly minted team, the American Gambits. The team's entry into the Global Chess League (GCL) marks a significant milestone for Ashwin and his co-owners.The American Gambits' anthem, titled "Make The World Go," embodies the team's bold and fearless approach to the game. Composed by acclaimed music director Charan Raj and performed by Karthik Chennojirao (KC), the anthem captures the unity, intensity, and strategic depth that the Gambits aspire to showcase on the global stage.Leading the team is Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, a renowned chess prodigy who recently secured third place at the Speed Chess Championship. Nakamura's strategic prowess and fearless play are expected to drive the team's ambitions. Joining him are Jan-Krzysztof Duda, known for his aggressive style and recent victories, and Vladislav Artemiev, whose calculated approach complements the team's strategy.The team also boasts a strong women's contingent, with Bibisara Assaubayeva, the reigning women's world rapid champion, bringing a quick and efficient playstyle. Elisabeth Paehtz's experience adds depth and stability to the team, while young prodigy Jonas Buhl Bjerre represents focus and unity.Lending expertise from the sidelines is RB Ramesh, renowned for coaching the illustrious R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali. Ramesh's guidance will be invaluable as the team navigates the challenges of the GCL.Ashwin expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, "For us, chess is all about bringing out the best on the board—driven by passion, ridden by strategic bent of mind, and perfectly playing the role of a gambit. We as a team want to popularize and promote chess in India and globally. The anthem encapsulates that spirit of fearlessness and ultimate triumph. We are excited and waiting to show the world how we will play boldly."Nakamura emphasized the team's ethos, stating, "Chess is not just about moving pieces on a board—it's about precision, timing, and the ability to remain fearless in the face of overwhelming odds. This season, we're ready to push boundaries and make bold sacrifices to claim victory. The anthem represents everything we stand for."The American Gambits are poised to make a significant impact on the GCL with their impressive roster and dynamic vision. Their bold and fearless approach, coupled with the expertise of their coaching staff, promises to make them a formidable force in the world of chess.

The Global Chess League (GCL) 2024 is set to return for its second season in London from October 3 to 12, and the player draft has already made headlines with the acquisition of Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin.Vaishali, a rising star in the women's chess circuit, has been signed by Ganges Grandmasters in the Superstar Women 1 section. She will join the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who is also part of the Ganges lineup.Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Sarin has been drafted by Alaskan Knights in the Prodigy category. He will be playing alongside renowned players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov."For someone my age, coming up the ranks in this sport, I am super thrilled to be part of the Global Chess League Season 2," said Sarin after the draft. "I am looking forward to learn from the stalwarts playing in this season and I am happy to be part of Alaskan Knights this season."Other notable Indian players who have been retained by their respective teams include Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, who will continue to play for Mumba Masters.The GCL has also announced its icon players for the upcoming season. Magnus Carlsen will represent Alpine SG Pipers, Anand will play for Ganges Grandmasters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will lead Mumba Masters, Ian Nepomniachtchi will captain Triveni Continental Kings, and debutants Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri will join American Gambits and Alaskan Knights, respectively.The GCL is a unique chess league that features teams from around the world competing in a series of online matches. The league aims to promote chess and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills.

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has unveiled its roster of Icon players for the upcoming second season, set to take place in London from October 3rd to 12th.Leading the charge is world No. 1 and five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, who will once again represent Alpine SG Pipers. Carlsen expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating that the team format introduced by the GCL is "very exciting and refreshing."Joining the league for the first time are two new Icon players: Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri. Nakamura, known for his dynamic style, will play for the American Gambits, while Giri will make his debut with the PBG Alaskan Knights.Returning as Icon players are Viswanathan Anand (Ganges Grandmasters), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Mumba Masters), and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Triveni Continental Kings). Anand, a five-time world champion, believes that the GCL's unique format will enhance the popularity of chess.The GCL features a minimum of three marquee showdowns each day between the Icon players, who lead their teams into battle. Each team consists of six players: one Icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players, and one prodigy player.The league aims to promote chess through innovative technology-enabled platforms, leveraging 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. By bringing together top male and female chess champions in a joint team format, the GCL offers a unique viewing experience for fans worldwide.

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has welcomed Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin to the world of chess, as Ashwin becomes a co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League (GCL).Ashwin's entry into chess has been met with enthusiasm by Anand, who shared a heartfelt message on social media. "Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on your exciting new venture into the world of chess! As someone who has bowled out the best in cricket, I'm sure you'll bring the same competitive spirit to the Global Chess League with the American Gambits," Anand wrote.The GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is set to hold its second edition in London from October 3 to 12. The American Gambits, owned by Ashwin, Prachura PP, and Venkat K Narayana, will replace Chingari Gulf Titans in the league.Ashwin expressed his excitement about joining the chess world. "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," he said.The GCL features a unique joint team format, with each team consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player. The teams will compete in a double round-robin format, with the top two sides advancing to the final round.The league's CEO, Sameer Pathak, expressed his delight at welcoming the teams for the second season. "We have found the right partners to strengthen the league's global reach and look forward to bringing an exciting season of chess to fans worldwide," he said.The GCL's innovative format and the participation of renowned players like Ashwin are expected to generate significant interest among chess enthusiasts worldwide. The league will be aired on major OTT and broadcast platforms, further expanding its reach.