News
Chess.com Announces The Return Of The Pro Chess League In 2023

Chess.com Announces The Return Of The Pro Chess League In 2023

CHESScom
| 33 | Chess Event Coverage

The wait is over: Chess.com is happy to announce that the Pro Chess League is returning in 2023! The PCL is the world's premier online chess league for professional players. The 2023 season starts on February 1, with top grandmasters from around the world competing for a piece of the $150,000 prize fund.

There will be 16 teams this season, and for the first time in league history, anyone can apply to manage a squad! There will be 15 teams selected before the season begins, with a three-day qualifying event to find team #16. Further league information is available here, and the application form is at the end of this announcement.

The PCL made history in 2017 when it became the first professional online rapid event open to players worldwide. The League immediately attracted some of the game’s brightest stars, including world champion Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in just its first season. Since then, other stars like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Ding Liren, Anish Giri, and more have also been PCL participants.

Nakamura Carlsen PRO Chess League
PCL veterans Carlsen and Nakamura at the 2018 World Rapid & Blitz Championship. Photo: Maria Emelianova/Chess.com.

An immediate hit in a pre-pandemic age, the PCL built on its strong foundation and featured a live final in 2018 in San Francisco, which returned in 2019. Fans could gather and cheer for their favorite teams as they battled over the board. 

Caruana PRO Chess League
Caruana playing Georg Meier in 2019 during the live PCL Finals. Photo: Eric Rosen/Pro Chess League.

Now, after a two-year hiatus, the PCL is back in full force for its fifth complete season, featuring the same match format that players and viewers have grown to love. The action kicks off on February 2023 with the league's first-ever qualifier and ends in May when the best teams will face off at the finals. 

As of now, applications are open for anyone who would like to be a team manager in the 2023 Season of the PCL. Applications will be closed at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Fill out the official form below if you wish to apply for a spot:

More from CHESScom
Play Chess Against Logic And ‘Ultra 85’ Sci-Fi Bots

Play Chess Against Logic And ‘Ultra 85’ Sci-Fi Bots

It's Spooky Season: New Halloween Bots Have Appeared!

It's Spooky Season: New Halloween Bots Have Appeared!