Headphones, ‘Play Along’, Festival Zone: Chess’s bid to cut ice with spectators

The Global Chess League (GCL) aims to make chess more engaging for spectators by implementing several innovative features during its fourth edition in Bengaluru. Noise-cancelling headphones with live commentary are provided to fans, allowing them to better understand and follow the game. This approach differs from the Esports World Cup in Paris, where competitors wore headphones to prevent hearing live commentary while spectators followed the game through live screens.

Pooja Sukhija, a first-time chess spectator, found the headphones particularly helpful. As a fan of Viswanathan Anand, she was initially unsure about her experience but found the compact controller and noise-cancelling headphones to be a game-changer. These devices helped her keep up with the six boards simultaneously, making the event more enjoyable and immersive.

Udaya Kumar, a 69-year-old retired government officer and chess academy instructor, appreciated the innovation as well. With live engines and commentary, he felt a thrill comparable to watching a thriller movie, as he could track every move and enjoy the speed of chess like never before.

The GCL also introduced an interactive feature called "Play Along." This feature allows fans to choose their favorite player and compete against the Grandmasters in real-time. Fans can make their move while the players are making theirs, and they receive feedback on whether their guess matches the Grandmaster's move. Rewards for correct guesses, such as signed merchandise, flags, and posters, incentivize fan engagement.

A dedicated fan area called the Festival Arena caters to audiences of all ages. In collaboration with local chess clubs, the event features multiple tournaments, including a women's-only blitz event, a senior citizens' tournament, and a freestyle competition. The Festival Arena offers something for everyone, from chess enthusiasts to casual fans.

Lokesh Natoo, the Head of Chess Activations and Community for Tech Mahindra at GCL, emphasizes the diverse experience the event offers, with different tournaments each day and a mix of activities throughout the day.