Bengaluru, September 1, 2026: The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), the world’s largest franchise-based chess league, promoted by Tech Mahindra in partnership with FIDE, the International Chess Federation, will mark a new crossover between gaming, esports and traditional sports, with 8Bit Creatives serving as its Official Broadcast & Production Agency. As the League makes its Bengaluru debut from September 5 to 13, 2026, 8Bit Creatives will produce the nine-day live broadcast, alongside the event’s photography and videography.
Season 4 of the GCL brings the league to Bengaluru for the first time, with six franchises featuring some of the biggest names in global chess. The franchises will compete in a double round-robin across more than 30 matches at The Lalit Ashok from September 5 to 13 2026. The line-up includes Magnus Carlsen , Alireza Firouzja, Anand Viswanathan , Ian Nepomniachtchi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Javokhir Sindarov, alongside elite grandmasters such as Anish Giri, Arjun Erigaisi, Levon Aronian, Wei Yi, Nihal Sarin and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, leading women players including Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, Zhu Jiner, Kateryna Lagno, Harika Dronavalli and Bibisara Assaubayeva, and a new generation of rising prodigies. The League’s unique six-board team format, pairing men’s and women’s boards with icon players and juniors on every team, remains the only one of its kind in world chess. Triveni Continental Kings enter the season as the League’s most decorated franchise, having lifted the trophy in its first two editions.
Innovative Broadcast Strategy for Season 4 of the Global Chess League
The Global Chess League (GCL) is set to elevate its broadcast experience in Season 4, thanks to a collaboration with 8Bit Creatives. The production will utilize over 30 cameras across three halls, incorporating advanced techniques such as Jib and Steadicam coverage. Viewers can expect dedicated cameras for individual boards and player reactions, along with two independent live feeds in English and Hindi for the first time in the League’s history.
8Bit Creatives will integrate live data from DGT boards with real-time graphics, player statistics, and analysis boards. This approach aims to enhance viewer engagement by providing deeper insights into the game as it unfolds. Additionally, an LED-driven in-arena experience will complement the broadcast, delivering live data and storytelling directly to the venue attendees.
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder of 8Bit Creatives, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences in gaming and entertainment. He stated, “Chess has a unique ability to create tension and drama with every move, and we’re excited to work with the League to bring that experience to life through a modern, data-rich and audience-first broadcast.”
Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, highlighted the importance of fan experience for this season. He noted that the partnership with 8Bit Creatives aligns with the League’s goal of delivering a broadcast that matches the quality of top sports productions, ensuring a captivating experience both in the arena and for viewers at home.
The live broadcast will originate from a purpose-built production control room at the venue, featuring dedicated studio programming and commentary in both languages. Coverage will include key moments from the tournament, culminating in the crowning of the Season 4 champions on September 13.
