SG Pipers Win Global Chess League 2025 Title

SG Pipers scripted a memorable triumph by clinching the Global Chess League 2025 title after defeating two-time defending champions Continental Kings in the final in New Delhi. The third edition of the league concluded with a dominant display by the Pipers, who peaked at the right time after a fluctuating league-stage campaign.

Road to the Final and Championship Match

SG Pipers entered the final after narrowly edging past Ganges Grandmasters by a single game point in the semifinals. Despite scraping through, the team carried strong momentum into the title clash. In the final, they stunned Continental Kings by winning the first rapid match 4–2 with the black pieces, followed by an emphatic 4.5–1.5 victory with white, sealing the championship in commanding fashion.

Key Performances Define the Final

Several individual performances stood out for the Pipers. Nino Batsiashvili delivered a crucial win against Alexandra Kosteniuk in a long bishop-versus-knight endgame, while India’s Leon Luke Mendonca forced Marc’Andria Maurizzi to resign after 52 moves. Although Continental Kings’ star Alireza Firouzja defeated Fabiano Caruana on the icon board, Anish Giri’s victory over Wei Yi ensured the Pipers secured the opening match.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Global Chess League is a franchise-based international chess competition.
• Matches are played in a mixed-team rapid chess format.
• The 2025 season marked the third edition of the league.
• The league features top global players alongside young talents.

Praggnanandhaa and Late-Season Momentum

In the second match of the final, R Praggnanandhaa gave SG Pipers an early advantage by defeating Vidit Gujrathi. Anish Giri once again overcame Wei Yi, effectively putting the contest beyond Continental Kings. Praggnanandhaa later described the victory as especially satisfying, noting that the team had barely qualified for the final but produced its best chess when it mattered most.

Elsewhere, PBG Alaskan Knights finished third after a tense blitz tie-break against Ganges Grandmasters. World champion D Gukesh defeated Viswanathan Anand in 49 moves to seal the third-place finish. Firouzja was named Male Player of the Tournament, while Hou Yifan received praise for her pivotal role in guiding SG Pipers to the title.