9 min readSep 10, 2026 10:58 PM IST
Magnus Carlsen during the Global Chess League. (GCL) after a one-year hiatus, and he has looked every bit the player who can lead Alpine APL Pipers to a successful title defence. With the league’s fourth season underway in Bengaluru, the Norwegian has been in fine form, yet his presence has meant more than just results. His team sits at the top of the standings, and Carlsen, despite calling his own performances “a little bit underwhelming,” remains the centre of attention.