2025 Cairns Cup

The Saint Louis Chess Club is proud to present the 2025 Cairns Cup, one of the strongest female super-tournaments in the world. This fifth edition features ten of the best female chess players competing for $250,000 in prize money, the largest in the event’s history.

The tournament follows a prestigious ten player, nine round, round-robin format of traditional classical chess, similar to the illustrious Sinquefield Cup. Games will be held at the World Chess Hall of Fame in the historic Central West End neighborhood.

Follow the action live at the Saint Louis Chess Club, with our Grandmaster in Residence providing daily analysis and 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.

Watch the games live on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch channels with professional commentary.