Global Chess League commissioner Gourav Rakshit explained why Gukesh Dommaraju and Vaishali Rameshbabu will not play in GCL Season 4. Rakshit says that Gukesh and Vaishali are preparing for the World Championship Matches, and notes the crowded tournament calendar.
Gourav Rakshit
Global Chess League commissioner“Gukesh indicated early on that he wouldn’t be available. Vaishali as well. Because they’re preparing for the World Championships.
The Olympiad being right after also potentially has an effect although all the other players headed to the Olympiad are actually participating in GCL.
The chess calendar this year is overflowing with tournaments. In fact, there are marquee tournaments that have overlaps where players are having to make a choice. That’s something that is being addressed at a central level by FIDE.”
Gukesh Dommaraju played in GCL in Season 1 in 2023 and in Season 3 in 2025. Vaishali Rameshbabu participated in the event once in Season 2 in 2024.
The Global Chess League is an annual franchise-based team competition held since 2023. The event is organized by FIDE in joint venture with Tech Mahindra. The fourth season follows the 2025 edition held in Mumbai, India, where the Alpine SG Pipers won the title.
Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess
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