World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis

SAINT LOUIS, July 9, 2026 — One of the world’s strongest women’s super-tournaments returns to Saint Louis this summer as the 2026 Cairns Cup welcomes 10 of the world’s top women chess players to compete for a $250,000 prize fund—one of the largest in women’s chess. 

The tournament will take place August 8–21 at the recently expanded Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC), where it will run alongside the prestigious Sinquefield Cup, creating one of the world’s premier showcases of elite chess.

Like the Sinquefield Cup, the Cairns Cup features a ten-player, nine-round classical round-robin format, widely regarded as one of the most demanding tests in professional chess. The sixth edition of the tournament continues Saint Louis’ tradition of hosting the world’s elite players while advancing opportunities for women in the game.

Named in honor of STLCC co-founder Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, the Cairns Cup reflects the STLCC’s commitment to growing women’s chess and inspiring the next generation of champions. Furthering that mission, Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield established the Cairns Chess Queens Award in 2024, a first-of-its-kind initiative offering a $100,000 award to any eligible U.S. woman who earns the Grandmaster (GM) title during the program’s five-year period ending July 4, 2029.

“It is an honor to once again welcome some of the world’s top women players to Saint Louis,” said Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, co-founder of the STLCC. “Through events like the Cairns Cup, we aim to create greater opportunities for women in chess and inspire the next generation to compete, achieve and lead in this timeless game.”

The 2026 Cairns Cup will feature a star-studded field that includes three former Women’s World Champions, reigning Cairns Cup Champion International Master (IM) Carissa Yip, 2026 FIDE Women’s World Champion Challenger GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, former Women’s World Chess Champion and 2026 World Chess Hall of Fame inductee Alexandra Kosteniuk, and three-time Women’s World Blitz Champion and Guinness World Record holder for youngest Women’s World Blitz Champion, GM Bibisara Assaubayeva.

The complete field includes:

* March FIDE ratings
 
“The STLCC remains dedicated to advancing the game of chess at every level,” said Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the STLCC. “The Cairns Cup plays a vital role in fostering the growth of women in chess, offering a world-class stage where top talent can challenge themselves, gain critical experience and inspire future generations.”

Fans around the world can follow the daily round of the Cairns Cup live August 10–20 through the STLCC’s Youtube and Twitch channels. Coverage will feature expert commentary hosted by Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Almira Skripchenko and IM Nazi Paikidze. International Arbiter (IA) Maya Myers will serve as Chief Arbiter, with IA Karen Pennock as Deputy Arbiter.

Chess fans in the Saint Louis area will also have the opportunity to experience the excitement live in person at the STLCC. Spectators tickets can be purchased and will include access to the tournament, a hospitality lounge with complimentary food and beverages and daily grandmaster analysis. 

While in town for the Cairns Cup, spectators are encouraged to make the most of their visit to America’s chess capital by stopping by the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries to explore “Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports,” a new exhibition that explores the deep and often surprising connections between chess and sports—revealing how strategy, discipline, preparation and competitive spirit unite the physical and mental arenas of play. 

For more information, livestream details and event updates, visit the STLCC website.

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