Carlsen, Anish, Vidit, Divya Deshmukh, K Humpy in one team: How GCL made it possible

How did the Alpine APL Pipers assemble a dream team featuring Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi, Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh and Volodar Murzin? Coach Pravin Thipsay reveals the strategy behind navigating the GCL draft, balancing star power with depth, and preparing for opponents’ recent rapid form. As defending champions, the Pipers must also manage expectations, media attention and the pressure to repeat their success.