Global Chess League 2026: Indian Stars Shine in Bengaluru

Vidit, Koneru Humpy, Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigaisi have led a strong Indian showing at the Global Chess League 2026 in Bengaluru as the league stage nears its end.

The league stage of the Global Chess League 2026 in Bengaluru is almost over, and Indian players have been among the most exciting performers of the week.

Vidit Santosh Gujrathi has been in great form for the Alpine APL Pipers. After beating Shakhriyar Mamedyarov on the opening day, he also won against Leinier Dominguez Perez, and he beat Daniil Dubov twice. Koneru Humpy has been just as strong for the Pipers, with wins over Carissa Yip, Stavroula Tsolakidou, Sarasadat Khademalsharieh and Nino Batsiashvili.

Nihal Sarin has had a fine week for the FYERS American Gambits. His wins include victories over Levon Aronian and Wei Yi, and he won an all-Indian game against Arjun Erigaisi. Arjun has had important wins of his own for the PBG Alaskan Knights, beating Pranesh M, Levon Aronian and Wei Yi.

The young Indian players have also impressed. Pranesh M, playing for CheQ Mumba Masters, beat both Anish Giri and Levon Aronian. Aravindh Chithambaram beat Dominguez Perez and Vidit for the Triveni Continental Kings, and Pranav V won several games for the same team. Dronavalli Harika has two wins against Divya Deshmukh and another against Zhu Jiner.

Magnus Carlsen has been a big attraction for the Alpine APL Pipers. He beat Viswanathan Anand twice, and he also beat Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Javokhir Sindarov.

For young players, this league shows how valuable it is to play against stronger opponents. Pranesh's wins over Giri and Aronian, two of the world's best players, came from playing confidently and not being scared by big names. When you face a much higher-rated player, focus on the position on the board and play your own best chess. Sometimes the surprise is on your side.

The last league games are played on 12 September. The two best teams will then meet in the final on 13 September.