SG Pipers crowned champions of Global Chess League 2025
SG Pipers scripted a memorable triumph by clinching the Global Chess League (GCL) 2025 title, defeating two-time defending champions Continental Kings in the final held in New Delhi . The victory in the third edition of the franchise-based league highlighted the Pipers’ ability to peak at the right moment after an inconsistent league-stage campaign.
Road to the Final and Decisive Finish
SG Pipers reached the final after edging past Ganges Grandmasters by a single game point in a tense semifinal. Carrying that momentum into the championship clash, the Pipers produced a dominant performance. They won the first rapid match 4–2 with the black pieces , before sealing the title with a commanding 4.5–1.5 victory with white , leaving the Continental Kings with no room for recovery.
Standout Performances in the Title Clash
Several individual displays proved decisive. Nino Batsiashvili secured a crucial endgame win against Alexandra Kosteniuk , while India’s Leon Luke Mendonca forced Marc’Andria Maurizzi to resign after a long 52-move battle. Although Alireza Firouzja defeated Fabiano Caruana on the icon board for Continental Kings, Anish Giri’s win over Wei Yi ensured the Pipers maintained control in the opening match.
Praggnanandhaa’s Impact and Team Effort
In the second match, R Praggnanandhaa struck early by defeating Vidit Gujrathi , and Anish Giri again overcame Wei Yi to put the contest beyond doubt. Praggnanandhaa later said the win was special as the team had “barely qualified” but delivered its best chess under pressure.
Other Highlights
PBG Alaskan Knights finished third after a blitz tie-break win over Ganges Grandmasters, with world champion D Gukesh defeating Viswanathan Anand . Firouzja was named Male Player of the Tournament , while Hou Yifan earned praise for her pivotal role in SG Pipers’ title run.
Important Facts for Exams
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Global Chess League is a franchise-based international chess league
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Matches are played in a mixed-team rapid format
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2025 was the third edition of the league
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The league features elite global players and young talents
Month: Current Affairs - December 24, 2025
Category: Sports, Chess