The Professional Rapid Online Chess League (PRO Chess League and abbreviated PCL) was an online rapid chess league operated by Chess.com. It was preceded by the United States Chess League, which announced in 2016 that it would be renamed, reformatted, and opened to cities from around the world, and moved to the website chess.com.[1][2] It was discontinued in 2024.[3]
The league had a variety of formats over its history, but there were some consistent points throughout. Matches were played between teams of 4 players using the scheveningen system, pitting each team member against every player from the opposing team. Teams had a rating cap (usually 2500) to ensure balanced matchups.
Teams were split into geographical divisions (Central & Western for Europe & West/Central Asia, and Atlantic & Pacific for the Americas, East Asia & the Pacific nations)
The time control was 15+2 in the first seasons, but this changed to 10+2 for the later seasons.[6]
History
2017–present
The first season started on January 11, 2017, and ended March 26, 2017.[7][8] 48 teams participated, twelve of which had previously participated in the USCL. After the end of the first season, the St. Louis Arch Bishops defeated the Norway Gnomes, thus securing their first title.[9] Wesley So won MVP. The PCL has a total prize fund of $50,000 compared to a prize fund of $10,000 in the USCL.[10] In its second season, Greg Shahade introduced and new qualifications to join the league and an All-Star Game.
Supporters say the league's worldwide distribution, the prize money, and the participation of many of the world's top-rated players may create a new level of competition and awareness for the game. It is anticipated that the new formats are leading to a "rise in popularity of online and rapid chess". In addition, the PCL has the potential to dramatically change chess culture and could lead to corporate sponsorships. This change from an "individual and slow game," to a relatively quick and team format, has made the offering more viewer friendly.[5]
In a 2017 article, Greg Shahade made a similar statement to what Eric Rosen mentioned. Shahade talked about the league featuring worldwide team competition, using the scheveningen system which gives lower rated players the chance to pull upset each week, and having the chance to "revolutionize chess".[11][12]
In an article written by ESPN, Viswanathan Anand spoke about how convenient it was to play online compared to playing over-the-board.[13]
Here you don't get together with the team the previous night to discuss strategy, so it's far more improvised. In all leagues you play one game a day. Here you play four, so you're very alive to the evolving score.
^Doggers, Peter (August 25, 2016). "U.S. Chess League Becomes PRO Chess League". United States Chess Federation. Retrieved February 12, 2017. The Professional Rapid Online (PRO) Chess League is the combined vision of what the USCL and Chess.com see as the future of high-stakes, top-level, entertaining chess. Unlike its predecessor, the USCL, the PRO Chess League will have faster time controls, provide more flexibility in forming and managing teams, and allow for "free agent" acquisitions from all over the world. The fundamental goal will remain promoting the growth and togetherness of the... local community chess clubs.
^"Pro Chess League". QuantumGambitz. January 2, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
