One of the strongest female super-tournaments in the world returns in 2025 with the fifth edition of the Cairns Cup!
This elite tournament features ten of the best female chess players from around the world as they compete for a $250,000 prize fund,
the largest in the event’s history. The Cairns Cup shares its format with other prestigious events like the illustrious Sinquefield Cup; a
ten player, nine round, round-robin format
of traditional classical chess. It also shares the venue in Saint Louis, at the World Chess Hall of Fame located in the historic Central West End neighborhood.
Follow the action live at the Saint Louis Chess Club, as our Grandmaster in Residence provides live analysis of the games each day, with complimentary snacks and beverages for members and guests.
Named in honor of co-founder Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield’s maiden name, the tournament reinforces the STLCC’s commitment for more American females to play professional chess.
Starting July 4, 2024, she created the Cairns Chess Queens Award.
The award is designed to encourage more female chess players from the United States to become Grandmasters. We will award
$100,000 to any US female who earns the GM title – the overall GM title - in the next five years.
The award will be given to up to five players, and eligibility will be strictly limited to female chess players who are American Citizens or who become American Citizens before earning the grandmaster title. Of course, GMs will be confirmed by FIDE.
Fans of the tournament locally and abroad can tune-in to the Saint Louis Chess Club’s professional commentary team, as they provide their own moment-to-moment coverage available online, on the STLCC’s
Youtube and
Twitch channels.