2024 Cairns Cup Overview
One of the world's strongest female super-tournaments returns for its 4th edition in 2024. The Cairns Cup will once again take place in Saint Louis, featuring 10 of the world's best female players competing for a total prize fund of $200,000, the largest in event history.
Taking part are three U.S. stars, GM Irina Krush, IM Alice Lee, and 2023 champion IM Anna Zatonskih, who will be joined by seven elite grandmasters, as they fight for the $50,000 first place prize. The tournament will be similar in format to the prestigious Sinquefield Cup: a ten-player round-robin, featuring nine rounds of classical chess.
The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 12 with the Ultimate Moves, a fun and casual exhibition event featuring Women's World Chess Champion Grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili and the Cairns Cup field.
The Saint Louis Chess Club will host daily live commentary from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Follow the games with our Grandmaster in Residence as they analyze the games of this exciting round robin format. Live commentary is open to all members and guests and includes complimentary snacks and beverages.
Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to women, the STLCC chose the name Cairns Cup in honor of co-founder Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield's maiden name.
Fans can tune in to the Saint Louis Chess Club's Twitch and YouTube channels for daily live coverage of the tournament with Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan and International Masters Jovanka Houska and Nazi Paikidze starting at 1:00 PM CDT.
| Dates | June 12 - 23, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Saint Louis Chess Club |
| Format | Ten Player Round Robin |
| Time Control | Classical Chess |
| Prize Fund | $200,000 |
| Day | Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 6/12/24 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Ultimate Moves |
| 6:00 PM | Opening Ceremony | ||
| Thursday | 6/13/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Friday | 6/14/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Saturday | 6/15/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Sunday | 6/16/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Monday | 6/17/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Tuesday | 6/18/24 | All Day | Rest Day |
| Wednesday | 6/19/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 6 |
| Thursday | 6/20/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
| Friday | 6/21/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 8 |
| Saturday | 6/22/24 | 1:00 PM | Round 9 |
| Sunday | 6/23/24 | 1:00 PM | Playoff (if necessary) |
The 2024 Cairns Cup features a combined prize fund of $200,000!
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $50,000 |
| 2nd | $40,000 |
| 3rd | $30,000 |
| 4th | $20,000 |
| 5th | $15,000 |
| 6th | $11,000 |
| 7th | $10,000 |
| 8th | $9,000 |
| 9th | $8,000 |
| 10th | $7,000 |
| Total Prize Fund: $200,000 | |
