The Harare Professional Chess League also known as the HPCL was founded in 2023. It is a double round-robin chess tournament organised annually by the Harare Chess Society. Past Harare chess leagues were played as a social pastime. Clubs took turns visiting each other to fulfil their fixtures. HPCL introduced a different format: all league games are played at a central venue and every league aspect is governed by a Handbook published at the beginning of each season.
HPCL remains a significant milestone in the history of Zimbabwean Chess. It is the first-ever league in the country to be played under international standards set and regulated by the World International Chess Federation (FIDE). To attest to its high standards every game is FIDE-rated and every league participant acquires ratings from FIDE as a measure of strength.
In its inaugural year, the HPCL registered 12 teams. Harare City Chess Club won the championship that year after an amazing 22 games unbeaten. Harare City had an impressive squad: Emarald Mushore, Farai Hamandishe, WCM Refiloe Mudodo, Elisha Chimbamu, Tinashe Chinhanga, Vitalis Mapuranga, WCM Kudzanayi Charinda, Gilbert Shonhiwa, Tapiwa Konga and Malije Gibson.
In its second season, the HPCL was won by Chitown Masters. The Masters were inspired by Delight Kagogoda who had an impressive 17-game unbeaten streak!
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