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From Dubai to the world: Global Chess League launches ‘GCL Contenders 2025’ to scout future stars

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Chess has just raised its game. The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), in partnership with FIDE and Chess.com, has announced the launch of GCL Contenders 2025, a first-of-its-kind global tournament that gives amateurs and professionals the chance to compete for a spot alongside the world’s top Grandmasters.

The format is as ambitious as it is inclusive. Across two months of online battles and knockout rounds, players from six regions, India, USA, UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, will fight for a once-in-a-lifetime prize: Becoming GCL Season 3 ambassadors and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the stars of the franchise-based league when it kicks off on December 13.

“This is more than a tournament,” said Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the Global Chess League. “It’s a landmark step for the global chess community, giving aspiring players a direct pathway to share the stage with the world’s greatest Grandmasters.”

The tournament will be open in three categories – Male, Female, and U21 (Prodigy). After surviving 18 rapid-fire arenas on Chess.com, the best performers will progress to live-streamed knockouts on YouTube and Twitch, facing off against rising stars and titled players. The final three winners will each claim their place as ambassadors for Season 3.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich called it “an innovative concept that brings professionals and non-professionals together in true competition.”

The six GCL franchises, Alpine SG Pipers, American Gambits, Ganges Grandmasters, PBG Alaskan Knights, Triveni Continental Kings, and upGrad Mumba Masters, are expected to use the Contenders as a scouting ground, adding new spice to the high-stakes franchise battles.

Already being hailed as the “T20 of chess,” the GCL has attracted massive viewership in its first two seasons, and organisers say the Contenders format will only grow the game’s global fan base.

Danny Rensch, Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer, summed it up: “The first two seasons showed us the mass appeal of team-based chess. With Contenders, we’re building a deeper ecosystem, and there’s no better country than India, which lives and breathes chess, to host Season 3.”

Registrations are now open on the official GCL website. For thousands of dreamers, the countdown to the big stage has already begun.


With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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