Pocket FM has partnered with Alpine APL Pipers as global co-sponsor for the team’s campaign in the Global Chess League, which will take place in Bengaluru, India, from Sept. 3–13. The partnership brings the audio series platform together with the franchise led by World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.
Alpine APL Pipers’ squad for the tournament includes Carlsen, Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi, Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, and Volodar Murzin.
According to the release, Pocket FM will have branding across the team’s key touchpoints through integrated branding, digital visibility, broadcast integrations, on-ground fan engagement initiatives, exclusive player interactions, and other brand-led experiences during the tournament.
“The Global Chess League has created a unique platform that brings together some of the world’s best players while making team chess more exciting for fans around the world,” said Magnus Carlsen, World No. 1 and Icon Player for Alpine APL Pipers.
“It’s great to welcome Pocket FM to the Alpine APL Pipers family, and I’m looking forward to an exciting season together.”
Rohan Nayak, CEO & Co-Founder of Pocket Entertainment, added, “At Pocket FM, we believe the world’s greatest stories and the game of chess share something fundamental – imagination, strategy and the pursuit of excellence. Our partnership with Alpine APL Pipers reflects our commitment to supporting communities that inspire millions while connecting with audiences through culture, passion, and ideas that transcend borders.”
Mahesh Bhupathi, Chief Executive Officer of SG Sports-Media-Entertainment, said, “We are delighted to welcome Pocket FM as our Global Co-Sponsor for the Global Chess League 2026. Pocket FM has built a strong global community and a distinctive storytelling platform that resonates with audiences across markets, making them a natural partner for Alpine APL Pipers.”
Beyond the competition, the partnership will create opportunities for fan engagement throughout the tournament, allowing audiences to connect with some of the world’s leading chess players while following Alpine APL Pipers’ journey in the Global Chess League.
For Pocket FM, the partnership is part of a broader strategy to build deeper global consumer engagement through culturally relevant platforms that bring together world-class talent and passionate communities.
Vineet Singh, Global Head of Brand Marketing, Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs at Pocket FM, said, “As Pocket FM expands globally, we are focused on partnerships that strengthen our international brand. Chess is a game of strategy, imagination, and anticipation, the same qualities that define great storytelling.”
