view all news, press, & insights GRANDMASTER IN RESIDENCE SPOTLIGHT: GM Robert Hungaski Table of contents February 12 2026 Blog News How Robert Hungaski Discovered Chess by Dane McGuire The old saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” For Grandmaster Robert Hungaski, that first step came in first grade with a simple note sent home to his parents. Hungaski’s teacher had brought in a chessboard, explained the basic rules, and let the students play around. “I kind of got into it,” Hungaski said. “She wrote a note to my mom saying, ‘Robert seems to enjoy chess—maybe he could explore this beyond school.'” After his teacher suggested that he pursue chess outside the classroom, the rest of Hungaski’s life would gradually begin to take shape. In particular, high-level success in his youth set the stage for everything that followed. “What really got me excited about chess were the Pan-American and World Youth events,” he said. “They were held in a different country every year. Once you got there, it felt like the best players from every country were there. That was your shot.” Hungaski’s Path to Grandmaster Hungaski went on to earn the International Master title at just 18 years old. While the milestone felt natural, the path to Grandmaster proved far more challenging. As a result, he had to rethink both his expectations and his approach. “It took me years to realize progress isn’t linear,” he explained. “I had to completely change how I was approaching things. I rearranged some metaphorical pieces and came at it from a different angle. When I finally got it, it felt like a huge weight was lifted.” For Hungaski, chess has always been a mirror. It reflects development not only as a player, but also as a person. While his style has evolved, he has consistently leaned toward positional chess rather than purely tactical battles. “When I look back at games from 20 years ago, sometimes I don’t even recognize myself,” Hungaski said. “The way I played then isn’t how I’d play now. I think chess games are a reflection of your personality and what you’re going through at the time. As you grow as a person, your chess changes with it.” You Win or You Learn Chess, like any worthwhile pursuit, comes with highs and lows. Hungaski studies his defeats closely because outcomes often hinge on a single decision. Over time, recognizing patterns—especially how a player responds under pressure—can make a decisive difference. “For every good tournament, there are probably ten terrible ones,” Hungaski said. “Over time, you almost forget the bad ones as a defense mechanism.” “When a tournament slips away, it’s really because a game slipped away—one move,” he added. “I keep a collection of decisive games. Specifically, these are ones where the tournament situation made them critical.” Hungaski and Grandmaster William Lombardy One of the most influential figures in Hungaski’s development was Grandmaster William Lombardy. Above all, Lombardy emphasized balance—an idea Hungaski continues to stress today. Education, personal growth, and long-term thinking, Lombardy taught him, were not distractions from chess. Instead, they were essential to it. “He really opened my mind beyond chess,” Hungaski said. “He encouraged me to read outside chess, to go to university, and to approach the GM title differently. I actually stopped playing chess for several years while I was in college. Then I got my final GM norm during my senior year.” The experience reinforced a lesson Hungaski now shares with students. Improvement does not always come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from doing things differently—and sometimes from stepping away long enough to see both the game and life more clearly. GM Robert Hungaski Returns to the Saint Louis Chess Club Hungaski first came to the Saint Louis Chess Club in 2014. More than a decade later, he continues to return as part of the Club’s GM in Residence program. That consistency speaks to both the environment and the mission of the organization. “There’s no place quite like it,” Hungaski said. “As a coach, this is the place where you can come and show what you’re working on.” The Club stands apart not only because of its facilities, but also because of the culture it has built around competitive chess, education, and accessibility to the community. That focus creates a rare opportunity for meaningful interaction. Players are not just attending events or taking lessons—they immerse themselves fully. “It’s like the perfect stadium if you’re into chess,” Hungaski said. “You walk in, and everything around you is focused on the game. It really feels like the epicenter of chess right now. If you want to see what’s happening in the chess world, this is where you come.” The opportunity to return year after year, work with different players, and engage with a community that values both instruction and experience is what continues to draw him back. “I enjoy coming here very much,” Hungaski said. “Every time I’m here, you can feel that people care about chess—and about getting better.” Inside the Grandmaster in Residence Program | GM Robert Hungaski The Grandmaster in Residence program at the Saint Louis Chess Club is about access. It gives players the opportunity to learn directly from someone who has navigated the full arc of professional chess. “Being able to sit down in person with someone who’s done this professionally is not easy to come by,” Hungaski said. “You get to share experience, get up to date, and just absorb what’s going on in the chess world.” In addition, Hungaski highlighted the value of exposure to how Grandmasters think, evaluate positions, and reflect on their own decisions. No one can replicate this kind of learning through books or online play alone. “Every time I come here, I feel like I’m putting my finger on the pulse of chess,” he said. Thanks to the program’s rotating instructors, participants encounter both the shared foundations of high-level chess and the individual nuances that shape different playing styles. That variety, Hungaski believes, is one of the program’s greatest strengths. “No one coach has all the answers,” he said. “You start to notice common ideas among grandmasters, but also the wrinkles that reflect different styles.” How Students Get the Most from GM Robert Hungaski According to Hungaski, the most meaningful moments often happen after the “battle has been fought,” so to speak. “Mostly analysis,” he said. “After games, players bring them over, and we go through them in detail.” Those sessions rarely remain one-on-one for long. As other games finish, players gather, listen, and contribute. As a result, individual lessons turn into shared learning experiences. “You stick around, someone else finishes their game, and suddenly you’re analyzing for hours,” Hungaski said. “That kind of shared post-game analysis is incredibly valuable.” Direct feedback helps players recognize patterns—both in thought and in play. It is this blend of access, perspective, and community that defines the GM in Residence experience. When it comes to improvement, Hungaski emphasizes discipline—but also balance. “We all know what needs to be done,” he said. “There’s no mystery about which books to read or tournaments to play. You have to eat your spinach.” At the same time, he believes long-term success requires more than chess study alone. “Nutrition, fitness, psychology—everything needs to be in harmony if you want to reach your potential,” Hungaski said. “Chess teaches you patience. If you keep showing up, keep learning, and stay honest about where you are, the results take care of themselves.” Over time, Hungaski has found that where you learn matters as much as how you learn. “Just like players play to their strengths, coaches coach the way they coach best,” he said. “The important thing is finding an environment that helps you grow.” Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights Saint Louis Chess Club Announces 2026 American Cup Fields Table of contents February 11 2026 News Press The U.S. Chess Capital welcomes elite players for a high-stakes, double-elimination tournament competing for $400,000 in Prizes SAINT LOUIS, February 11, 2026 – The 2026 American Cup, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) at its newly expanded and recently reopened facility, will return March 2–13, 2026, continuing its tradition as one of the most prestigious chess events in the United States. The tournament brings together the nation’s top players for an elite competition that highlights both established champions and emerging stars. The 2026 American Cup will once again feature a high-stakes double-elimination format, testing competitors across classical and rapid chess. The tournament brings together some of the strongest players in the world, alongside standout rising talents in both the Open and Women’s divisions. In the Open division, World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana – a 2026 World Championship Candidates Qualifier, lead a roster of top-tier competitors, promising world-class matchups, while the Women’s division is headlined by International Master (IM) Carissa Yip, who is on track to become only the second female in U.S. history to earn the grandmaster title, alongside Grandmaster Irina Krush and rising star IM Alice Lee, showcasing the next generation of American chess talent. With $400,000 in total prize money on the line, players will compete under immense pressure, delivering world-class chess for fans watching in Saint Louis and around the globe. “The American Cup is one of the highest-rated events in American chess,” said Grandmaster (GM) Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the STLCC. “The double-elimination format demands resilience and creativity, and year after year it brings out some of the most exciting chess we see anywhere. Fans can expect compelling battles from the very first round through the finals.” 2026 Open & Women’s Division Fields OPEN FIELDTitleNameLocationJan. 2026 FIDE RatingGMFabiano CaruanaSaint Louis, MO2795GMWesley SoExcelsior, MN2753GMLeinier DominguezSaint Louis, MO2738GMLevon AronianSaint Louis, MO2729GMAwonder LiangMadison, WI2713GMSam SevianHolden, MA2688GMRay RobsonSaint Louis, MO2650GMAbhimanyu MishraEnglishtown , NJ2629 WOMEN’S FIELDTitleNameLocationJan. 2026 FIDE RatingIMCarissa YipSaint Louis, MO2466IMAlice Lee North Oaks, MN2408GMIrina KrushBrooklyn, NY2402IMTatev AbrahamyanSaint Louis, MO2389IMAnna SargsyanSaint Louis, MO2377WGMZoey TangPortland, OR2356IMAnna ZatonskihBochum, Germany2331WIMRachael LiPlano, TX2322 How to Watch The American CupBeginning on March 3, all rounds of the 2026 American Cup will be streamed with expert commentary from an accomplished broadcast team including GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Maurice Ashley and IM Nazí Paikidze. Fans can follow all of the action live on STLCC’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels. Spectators are invited to attend the 2026 American Cup, taking place March 3–12 at the beautifully renovated STLCC, with daily play beginning at 12:00 p.m. Spectator tickets will be sold and include access to the tournament hall and a dedicated viewing room with complimentary beverages and snacks. Fans may also follow the action online. Additional event and spectator information is available at saintlouischessclub.org. While attending the American Cup, visitors are encouraged to explore the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF) current exhibitions: “Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” traces chess’s evolution from its ancient origins to modern innovations, exploring how cultures across continents reshaped the game and how today’s players continue to experiment with bold new variants. “Charles Houska: Master of Play” is a vibrant retrospective spanning the artist’s 25+ year career, featuring more than 75 works, including new chess-themed commissions and a striking 3D-printed chess set, alongside highlights from his community projects and major collaborations. “Reading Between the Lines: Chess & Literature” curated by Emily Allred, examines the relationship between chess and storytelling through rare books, artifacts, and themed sets, including materials connected to The Queen’s Gambit author Walter Tevis. More information about the WCHOF, visit worldchesshof.org. # # # About the Saint Louis Chess Club The Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making chess a vital part of the community and advancing Saint Louis’s reputation as the nation’s premier chess destination—the U.S. Chess Capital. In addition to hosting world-class tournaments and providing a welcoming space for casual and competitive play, the Club offers a robust slate of educational programming, including beginner lessons, chess improvement classes, lectures, and special events for players of all ages and skill levels. Recognizing the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is deeply committed to scholastic education. The Club supports existing chess programs in area schools while actively developing new in-school and after-school initiatives that introduce students to the game and help young players thrive both on and off the board. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org. Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights Saint Louis Chess Club Announces Highly Anticipated 2026 Invitational Tournament Schedule Table of contents January 16 2026 Blog News Press Expanded 30,000-Square-Foot Home Base Anchors a Global Slate of Events from the Chess Capital of the USA SAINT LOUIS, Mo. (Jan. 16, 2026) — The Saint Louis Chess Club announced today its highly anticipated 2026 tournament schedule, reinforcing its leadership role as the Chess Capital of the United States while continuing to expand its global footprint. The 2026 season will feature a dynamic mix of premier competitions hosted both in Saint Louis and at international venues around the world, reflecting the Club’s growing influence on the global chess stage. 2026 Schedule of Invitational Tournaments* Saint Louis Masters: Feb. 24-Mar. 2, 2026 American Cup: Mar. 2-13, 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Poland: May 3-10, 2026 Super Chess Classic Romania: May 12-24, 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia: Jun.29-Jul. 6, 2026 U.S. Senior, U.S. Senior Women’s, U.S. Junior and U.S. Junior Girls’ Championships: Jul. 12-25, 2026 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz: Jul. 31-Aug. 7, 2026 Sinquefield Cup: Aug. 8-21, 2026 Cairns Cup: August 8 – 21, 2026 Grand Chess Tour Finals: Aug. 21-28, 2026 U.S. and U.S. Women’s Championships: Oct. 7-23, 2026 Saint Louis Chess Conference: Oct. 22-24, 2026 The expanded Chess Club campus further strengthens Saint Louis’ position as the epicenter of American chess, offering enhanced space for competition, education, community engagement, and spectator experiences. The 2026 tournament lineup will continue the Club’s tradition of hosting premier national and international events that attract top grandmasters and rising stars from around the world. “The Saint Louis Chess Club has fundamentally changed what’s possible for chess in the United States,” said Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the Saint Louis Chess Club. “With this expanded facility and an ambitious 2026 tournament schedule, Saint Louis continues to set the global standard—not only for elite competition, but for education and scholastic development, inspiring the next generation of players while bringing the chess community together.” Since its founding, the Saint Louis Chess Club has played a pivotal role in elevating American chess on the world stage, serving as home to the U.S. Championship and signature elite invitational events created by its founders, including the Sinquefield Cup and Cairns Cup, alongside robust scholastic and educational programs. The 2026 season builds on that legacy, combining competitive excellence with a continued commitment to accessibility, education, and the future of the game. Additional details about individual tournaments, dates, and participating players will be announced in the coming months. For updates and announcements, visit saintlouischessclub.org. ### * Additional tournaments to be announced About the Saint Louis Chess Club The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making chess a vital part of the community and advancing Saint Louis’s reputation as the nation’s premier chess destination—the U.S. Chess Capital. In addition to hosting world-class tournaments and providing a welcoming space for casual and competitive play, the Club offers a robust slate of educational programming, including beginner lessons, chess improvement classes, lectures, and special events for players of all ages and skill levels. Recognizing the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is deeply committed to scholastic education. The Club supports existing chess programs in area schools while actively developing new in-school and after-school initiatives that introduce students to the game and help young players thrive both on and off the board. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights World Champion Garry Kasparov Wins Clutch Chess: The LegendsDuring Grand Reopening of Saint Louis Chess Club Table of contents October 10 2025 News Press SAINT LOUIS, MO (October 10, 2025) — In a thrilling display of precision, creativity and composure, legendary World Champion Grandmaster (GM) Garry Kasparov was crowned champion of the first Clutch Chess: The Legends, defeating longtime rival and fellow World Champion GM Viswanathan Anand in a three-day showdown that captivated fans around the world. “It was a very tough fight,” said Kasparov. “I’m not a professional player anymore, so I had realistic expectations, but I was surprised to find myself in this position. It’s phenomenal to be here in Saint Louis. Seeing this incredible chess facility reminds me of the care and vision Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield put into building this chess temple. That’s why I come here to play chess every year.”Kasparov’s incredible form was on full display throughout the event. After taking a slight lead to start, the former World Champion seized momentum on Day 2, capitalizing on Anand’s time trouble and tactical errors to surge ahead 8.5–3.5. Anand fought fiercely throughout and closed the event by winning the final two blitz games, securing the largest prize-money games of the tournament. Kasparov’s defensive brilliance in the early blitz rounds and commanding victories in clutch games showcased the timeless artistry that defined his career. Kasparov earned $78,000 for his victory, while Anand claimed $66,000 for his outstanding finish. “It’s fitting that such an iconic match would open this next chapter for the Saint Louis Chess Club,” said Rex Sinquefield, co-founder of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “This new facility reflects our commitment to creating the premier home for chess—not just in the United States, but around the world. And we’re only getting started. The incredible lineup of events this month will showcase the passion and excellence that make Saint Louis the true capital of chess.” The exhibition match marked the grand reopening of the newly expanded, 30,000-square-foot Saint Louis Chess Club—a stunning, state-of-the-art hub for players and fans alike. Featuring a $144,000 prize fund, the spirited 12-game Chess960 (Fischer Random) match combined rapid and blitz time controls with an innovative scoring system designed to captivate both players and fans. “I’m incredibly pleased with the way things went,” said GM Maurice Ashley, creative officer of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “To have two great legends who embody the spirit of fighting chess play a match using my idea at the iconic Saint Louis Chess Club is a dream come true.” Fans around the world tuned in for live coverage featuring expert commentary from Grandmasters Yasser Seirawan and Maurice Ashley, alongside sports broadcaster James “Dash” Patterson, whose insights brought fresh depth and energy to every decisive moment. Viewers can relive the action and follow the month’s continuing events on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel. The celebration continues throughout the month with Hall of Fame inductions, the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Championships, and Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown—each event showcasing the energy and excellence that define Saint Louis as the ultimate home of chess. 2025 U.S. & U.S. Women’s Championships | October 12–25 The most prestigious chess events in the country return to crown the nation’s top players. Held in the upgraded tournament hall, the U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship will showcase elite talent, fierce rivalries and the rising stars of American chess. Each field will feature 12 players facing off over the board October 12-25 as they compete for a total purse of more than $400,000. During the opening ceremonies, National Master Bruce Pandolfini and Grandmaster Irina Krush will be inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame, and Grandmasters Pia Cramling, Vlastimil Hort and Jan Timman will be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown | October 25–30 The month culminates with the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, which will feature World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in what will be the highest-rated chess tournament of the year. With $412,000 in prize money, including daily win bonuses and a Champion’s Jackpot, the stakes have never been higher. The event’s 18-game rapid double round-robin format (10 minutes plus a 5-second increment) will feature escalating point values each day: Wins are worth 1 point on Day 1, 2 points on Day 2 and 3 points on Day 3–a comeback-friendly format that cultivates increased tension and fan excitement into the very last round. Make plans to experience elite chess in Saint Louis, learn more at saintlouischessclub.org. Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights Saint Louis to Host America’s Chess Elite in October 2025 Table of contents September 9 2025 News Press <br /> U.S. Championship, U.S. Women’s Championship, Hall of Fame Inductions and More to Highlight a Month of Historic Chess Events SAINT LOUIS, September 9, 2025 The nation’s top chess players are set to compete in America’s most prestigious events — the 2025 U.S. Chess Championship and the 2025 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship. Hosted by the newly expanded Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC), each field will feature 12 elite players competing over the board from Oct. 12–24 for a total prize fund of more than $400,000. The U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship represent the pinnacle of American chess, featuring our nation’s very best players in competition. With the return of tournament play at the newly renovated STLCC, new Hall of Fame inductees and an entire month of chess and cultural events, this year will be truly historic for Saint Louis and the game. — Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, chief commentator and spokesperson for STLCC About the U.S. Championship The U.S. Championship is one of the strongest national championships in the world by average rating. First held in 1845, it has crowned legends of the game, including the late World Champion Robert James “Bobby” Fischer, four-time U.S. champion Yasser Seirawan, and current World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura. Since 2009, the Saint Louis Chess Club has proudly hosted every edition of the event, awarding millions in prizes and cementing its role as the premier destination for American chess. The 2025 field will once again bring together the nation’s strongest players, including defending and four-time champion GM Fabiano Caruana, three-time champion GM Wesley So, and a slate of rising stars ready to test their skills against America’s best. 2025 U.S. Championship Field NO. TITLE FIRST LAST LOCATION RATING* QUALIFICATION 1 GM Fabiano Caruana Saint Louis, MO 2825 2024 U.S. Champion 2 GM Levon Aronian Saint Louis, MO 2786 Rating 3 GM Wesley So Excelsior, MN 2783 Rating 4 GM Hans Niemann Weston, CT 2777 Rating 5 GM Ray Robson Saint Louis, MO 2730 Rating 6 GM Awonder Liang Madison, WI 2727 Rating 7 GM Sam Sevian Holden, MA 2725 Rating 8 GM Sam Shankland Walnut Creek, CA 2707 Rating 9 GM Grigoriy Oparin Columbia, MO 2698 Rating 10 GM Abhimanyu Mishra Englishtown, NJ 2657 Wildcard 11 GM Andy Woodward McKinney, TX 2611 2025 U.S. Junior Champion 12 GM Dariusz Swiercz Saint Louis, MO 2595 2025 U.S. Open Champion * Invitational ratings are taken from the US Chess July Invitational Ratings List About the U.S. Women’s Championship The U.S. Women’s Championship remains the premier showcase for America’s top female players. Since first being hosted in Saint Louis in 2009, the event has elevated women’s chess in the U.S. The 2025 edition will feature a competitive field led by the highest-rated American player, defending and three-time champion International Master (IM) Carissa Yip, chess prodigy IM Alice Lee, and eight-time champion GM Irina Krush. 2025 U.S. Women’s Championship Field NO. TITLE FIRST LAST LOCATION RATING* QUALIFICATION 1 IM Carissa Yip Saint Louis, MO 2485 2024 U.S. Women’s Champion 2 IM Alice Lee North Oaks, MN 2444 Rating 3 GM Irina Krush Brooklyn, NY 2421 Rating 4 IM Anna Sargsyan Saint Louis, MO 2402 Rating 5 IM Tatev Abrahamyan Saint Louis, MO 2385 Rating 6 IM Anna Zatonskih Bochum, Germany 2346 Rating 7 IM Nazi Paikidze Las Vegas, NV 2345 Rating 8 WGM Atousa Pourkashiyan Sunrise, FL 2330 Rating 9 WGM Thalia Cervantes Saint Louis, MO 2324 Rating 10 WGM Jennifer Yu Ashburn, VA 2322 Rating 11 FM Rose Atwell Valencia, CA 2310 Rating 12 FM Megan Paragua New York, NY 2276 Wildcard * Invitational ratings are taken from the US Chess July Invitational Ratings List How to Watch the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Championships The 2025 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship will consist of 11 rounds of classical chess in a round-robin format and will be streamed live daily at 12:20 p.m. CT. Coverage will feature play-by-play and analysis from the world-renowned commentary team of GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Maurice Ashley and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Katerina Nemcova. Fans can follow all of the action live on STLCC’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels. Chess Legends to be Inducted into U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame The month of October will not only crown new national champions but also celebrate the induction of the 2025 U.S. Chess Hall of Fame honorees and the newest class of World Chess Hall of Fame inductees. National Master Bruce Pandolfini and Grandmaster Irina Krush will be inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame, and Grandmasters Pia Cramling, Vlastimil Hort and Jan Timman will be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. October Championships Bookended by Legendary Clutch Chess Events Two landmark Clutch Chess events will frame the U.S. Championships with both history and high-stakes excitement. The festivities kick off with Clutch Chess: The Legends (Oct. 7–11), where former world champions Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand face off in a $144,000 Chess960 exhibition match, marking the first event in the Club’s enhanced facility. The month concludes with Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown (Oct. 25–30), featuring World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in an 18-game rapid double round-robin competition for $412,000 in prizes, including daily win bonuses and a Champion’s Jackpot—bookending the U.S. Championships with both historic significance and the highest-level contemporary competition. Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights 2025 Sinquefield Cup Title Goes to American Grandmaster Wesley So Table of contents August 28 2025 News Press <br /> So Wins Second Title Amid Fierce Competition, Top Four Headed to Grand Chess Tour Finals in Brazil SAINT LOUIS, August 28, 2025 U.S. Grandmaster Wesley So triumphed at the 2025 Sinquefield Cup, outlasting a world-class field and a thrilling three-way tie at the top that led to playoffs to decide it all. In the end, So emerged victorious on home soil to claim his second Sinquefield Cup title in Saint Louis. As one of the crown jewels of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour (GCT), the Sinquefield Cup once again delivered drama, brilliance and a spectacular finish. It’s been nine years since the last time I won the Sinquefield Cup. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. While I didn’t make it to Brazil, I’m proud to be back in the Top 10. — Wesley So The tournament, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club, awarded $350,000 in prizes, including $77,667 to So for his first place finish. GMs Praggnanandhaa R. from India and Fabiano Caruana from the United States fell just short in the playoffs, tying for second place with $67,667 each. The Saint Louis Chess Club is proud to serve as the final leg of the GCT, where we see exciting and competitive play each year. Congratulations to GM Wesley So on winning this year’s Sinquefield Cup for the second time. We’re especially proud to see the title claimed by an American grandmaster. — Rex Sinquefield, Co-founder of the Saint Louis Chess Club Sinquefield Cup Results POSITION PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE MONEY 1 GM Wesley So USA $77,667 T-2 GM Praggnanandhaa R. IND $67,667 T-2 GM Fabiano Caruana USA $67,667 4 GM Levon Aronian USA $32,000 T-5 GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda POL $21,834 T-5 GM Sam Sevian USA $21,834 T-5 GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA $21,834 8 GM Gukesh Dommaraju IND $16,000 9 GM Alireza Firouzja FRA $13,000 10 GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov UZB $10,500 Top Four Advance to GCT Finals The tour will come to a dramatic conclusion during the GCT Finals, with play set to begin on September 28, 2025 during its first-ever stop in South America in the vibrant Brazilian City of São Paulo. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as GMs Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian and Praggnanandhaa R. battle for the championship crown. With the regular season behind them, the top four now face off in the high-stakes knockout for the title of GCT Champion — and a $350,000 prize fund on the line. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the GCT is a milestone for the global chess community. This year’s tour has been one of the most competitive and exciting yet, and we are thrilled to see it culminate with the Finals in Brazil—a fitting stage for such an important moment in GCT history. — Michael Khodarkovsky, Executive Director of the GCT Final Regular Season Standings POSITION PLAYER COUNTRY POINTS MONEY WON 1 GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 33 $144,000 2 GM Fabiano Caruana USA 30.5 $139,167 3 GM Levon Aronian USA 30.5 $109,125 4 GM Praggnanandhaa R. IND 30 $178,334 5 GM Wesley So USA 29.5 $139,792 6 GM Alireza Firouzja FRA 24.5 $113,167 7 GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov UZB 19 $67,500 8 GM Gukesh Dommaraju IND 19 $68,625 9 GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda POL 16 $59,333 Follow all the action live September 28-October 3 by watching the professional commentary team of GMs Maurice Ashley, Yasser Seirawan and Peter Svidler, International Master (IM) Nazi Paikidze and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Anastasia Karlovich on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch channels. The 2025 GCT prize fund of $1.6 million is provided by major sponsors Superbet Foundation and Saint Louis Chess Club, both non-profit organizations that support chess education and the mission to expand the game of chess to a worldwide audience. 2025 SINQUEFIELD CUP Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights Saint Louis Chess Club to Unveil New World-Class Facility With a Month of Historic Events, Legendary Matches, and U.S. & U.S. Women’s Championships Table of contents August 19 2025 News Press The newly expanded Club to reopen as the premier global venue for chess, kicking off a historic series of elite tournaments SAINT LOUIS, MO (August 19, 2025) — The Saint Louis Chess Club is proud to announce the grand reopening of its newly expanded campus this fall, marking a bold new chapter for the game of chess. With a transformed 30,000-square-foot facility, including a chess-inspired restaurant, expanded classrooms, a world-class tournament hall, and cutting-edge technology, the Club is poised to become the leading chess venue in the world. This exciting milestone will be celebrated in October with a month of historic chess events, beginning with the epic Clutch Chess: The Legends match between legendary world champions Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, followed by the induction ceremonies for the newest members into the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame, the U.S. & U.S. Women’s Championships and concluding with the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, featuring top global stars. “Our expansion is the realization of a long-held dream—to create the greatest chess club in the world, right here in Saint Louis. It’s not just about square footage—it’s about investing in the future of the game, inspiring the next generation and making chess accessible to everyone. We’re proud to continue making Saint Louis the global epicenter for chess.” Clutch Chess: The LegendsOctober 7-11 Two former world champions, Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, go head-to-head in a special Clutch Chess exhibition match. This once-in-a-generation clash celebrates the legacy of two chess greats and officially launches the month of reopening festivities. “Saint Louis has become the beating heart of global chess. The vision, the commitment, and the passion for the game here are unmatched anywhere in the world. It’s an honor to return and play in a city that has redefined what it means to support and grow the chess community.” The exhibition match will be the first event held in the Club’s enhanced facility, reaffirming the city’s role as the chess capital of the United States and a global leader in the game. The event will feature a $144,000 prize fund awarded across a spirited 12-game Chess960 (Fischer Random) match between the two icons, played at rapid and blitz time controls and with an innovative scoring system designed to captivate both players and fans. 2025 U.S. & U.S. Women’s ChampionshipsOctober 12–25 The most prestigious chess events in the country return to crown the nation’s top players. Held in the upgraded tournament hall, the U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship will showcase elite talent, fierce rivalries and the rising stars of American chess. Each field will feature 12 players facing off over the board October 12-25 as they compete for a total purse of more than $400,000. During the opening ceremonies, National Master Bruce Pandolfini and Grandmaster Irina Krush will be inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame, and Grandmasters Pia Cramling, Vlastimil Hort and Jan Timman will be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. Clutch Chess: Champions ShowdownOctober 25–30 The month culminates with the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, which will feature World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in what will be the highest-rated chess tournament of the year. With $412,000 in prize money, including daily win bonuses and a Champion’s Jackpot, the stakes have never been higher. The event’s 18-game rapid double round-robin format (10 minutes plus a 5-second increment) will feature escalating point values each day: Wins are worth 1 point on Day 1, 2 points on Day 2 and 3 points on Day 3–a comeback-friendly format that cultivates increased tension and fan excitement into the very last round. Transforming The Future Of Chess The Saint Louis Chess Club’s upgraded facility will feature an entire first floor dedicated to education, supporting a robust scholastic chess program that reaches more than 60 schools across St. Louis City and County and has introduced the game to more than 100,000 students since 2007. Dedicated classroom spaces and expanded event halls will now allow the Club to host larger scholastic tournaments, member events and community outreach programs, helping to grow the next generation of chess enthusiasts and critical thinkers. Saint Louis already boasts more Grandmasters per capita than any city in the world, and the expanded facility will further solidify its reputation as a global hub for elite chess competition and training. The Club’s growing emphasis on supporting girls and women in chess is also a core priority, with targeted initiatives, programming and mentorship to help close the gender gap in the sport and empower more young women to thrive in chess. In response to the rising popularity of chess, the expansion includes revamped technology and a fully upgraded broadcast production studio, designed to support live-streamed tournaments and content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, bringing world-class chess directly from Saint Louis to millions of fans worldwide. With expanded classrooms, elite competition spaces, local and international partnerships, and deep roots in education and community, the newly transformed Saint Louis Chess Club isn’t just growing—it’s redefining what it means to be a global leader in the game. <br /> Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights GM Levon Aronian Wins 2025 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz Table of contents August 18 2025 News Press <br /> Americans Sweep First and Second Place in First U.S. Stop of the Grand Chess Tour in Saint Louis SAINT LOUIS, August 18, 2025 U.S. Grandmaster Levon Aronian emerged victorious at the 2025 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, conquering 27 rounds of fierce competition in one of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour’s (GCT) most electrifying events. It feels great. I’ve been playing solidly, and maybe my opponents were more nervous than I was. Winning here in the city where I live, with my family and friends rooting for me, is really special. My fans and loved ones stick with me even when my play isn’t perfect, and that motivates me to keep fighting. At the end of the day, chess brings me joy, and with my family’s support—even my daughter telling me to ‘go kill them’—I feel inspired to keep going. This win means a lot, and I’m happy to add my name to this beautiful trophy. — Levon Aronian The tournament, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club, awarded $175,000 in prizes including $40,000 to Aronian for his first place finish, $30,000 to GM Fabiano Caruana from the United States for finishing second place and $25,000 to GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave from France for third place. What an incredible Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz—brilliant games, fighting spirit, and a field stacked with the very best in the world. Levon Aronian showed tremendous consistency under pressure and thoroughly deserves this win. And what a performance by the Americans, delivering a remarkable 1-2 finish that highlights the strength and depth of U.S. chess. Once again, Saint Louis has proven why it is the chess capital of the nation. — Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the Saint Louis Chess Club Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz Results POSITION PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE MONEY 1 GM Levon Aronian USA $40,000 2 GM Fabiano Caruana USA $30,000 3 GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA $25,000 4 GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov UZB $20,000 5 GM Wesley So USA $15,000 T-6 GM Gukesh Dommaraju IND $10,500 T-6 GM Liem Le VIE $10,500 8 GM Leinier Dominguez USA $9,000 9 GM Grigoriy Oparin USA $8,000 10 GM Sam Shankland USA $7,000 Current Grand Chess Tour Leaderboard GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has a commanding lead, with GM Levon Aronian moving into second position following his win. GM Alireza Firouzja and GM Fabiano Caruana round out the top four, as the participants head into the final leg of the series, 2025 Sinquefield Cup. POSITION PLAYER COUNTRY POINTS 1 GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 28 2 GM Levon Aronian USA 23.5 3 GM Alireza Firouzja FRA 22.5 4 GM Fabiano Caruana USA 20.5 5 GM Praggnanandhaa R. IND 20 6 GM Wesley So USA 19.5 7 GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov UZB 18 8 GM Gukesh Dommaraju IND 16 9 GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda POL 11 The 2025 Sinquefield Cup will run Monday, August 18-Thursday, August 28 in Saint Louis, with live commentary from GMs Yasser Seirawan and Peter Svidler and International Master Nazi Paikidze starting at 12:20PM CDT. Tune in to the Saint Louis Chess Club’s Twitch & YouTube channels. The tour will come to a dramatic conclusion during the GCT Finals, with rounds set to begin on September 28, 2025 during its first-ever stop in South America in the vibrant Brazilian City of São Paulo. The top four finishers of the regular season of five tournaments will compete for an additional $350,000 in the knockout matches. This year’s GCT participants are competing for a prize purse of $1.5 million over the course of the full tour. The prize fund is provided by the 2025 Grand Chess Tour major sponsors Superbet Foundation and Saint Louis Chess Club, both non-profit organizations that support chess education and the mission to expand the game of chess to a worldwide audience. 2025 SAINT LOUIS RAPID & BLITZ Saint Louis Chess Club Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights New Champions Emerge: GM Andy Woodward, FM/WGM Zoey Tang, and GM Alex Fishbein Win in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls and Senior Championships in Saint Louis Table of contents July 28 2025 News Press Rising Stars and Legends Shine at 2025 U.S. Championships The next generation of American chess stars made their mark while legends reinforced their legacy in this year’s U.S. Junior, U.S. Junior Girls, and U.S. Senior Championships—three of the nation’s most prestigious events, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club in Saint Louis, Mo., the official chess capital of the United States. Rising star and the youngest competitor in his field at just 15, Grandmaster (GM) Andy Woodward claimed the U.S. Junior Championship title. FIDE Master (FM)/Women Grandmaster (WGM) Zoey Tang captured the U.S. Junior Girls Championship, while GM Alex Fishbein emerged victorious in the U.S. Senior Championship after a dramatic playoff—marking first-time wins for all three players in their respective divisions. These events always deliver incredible competition, but this year’s championships were truly special. From the poise of our young talents to the brilliance of our seasoned champions, the level of play was inspiring across the board. It’s clear that American chess has an exciting road ahead—and there’s truly no better stage for it than right here in Saint Louis. — Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the Saint Louis Chess Club The U.S. Junior Girls, U.S. Junior, and U.S. Senior Championships continue to be mainstay events at the Saint Louis Chess Club. From July 15–25, 2025, the invitation-only tournaments took place at University Tower in Saint Louis, featuring the top 10 players in each division competing for national titles and a record-breaking combined prize fund of $225,000. GM Andy Woodward Clinches U.S. Junior Championship GM Andy Woodward won the 2025 U.S. Junior Championship and $23,000 with a mature, undefeated performance—and sealed the title with a draw against GM Kirk Ghazarian in the final round to finish clear first. His steady finish underscored his status as one of America’s most promising young talents. I’m really happy. It’s a very difficult tournament to win, so I just tried to stay calm throughout. Now I can finally relax a little. This is definitely the biggest event I’ve won so far, and it feels really good. I’m also really excited to have qualified for the U.S. Championship—I’m looking forward to the challenge and just doing my best to compete. — GM Andy Woodward Hot on his heels were GM Brewington Hardaway of Bronx, NY and GM Abhimanyu Mishra of Englishtown, NJ, who tied for second, each winning $11,000. U.S. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS PLACE PLAYER & AGE LOCATION PRIZE MONEY 1 GM Andy Woodward, 15 McKinney, TX $23,000 T-2 GM Brewington Hardaway, 16 Bronx, NY $11,000 T-2 GM Abhimanyu Mishra, 16 Englishtown, NJ $11,000 4 GM Kirk Ghazarian, 19 Coto De Caza, CA $7,500 5 IM Nico Chasin, 19 New York, NY $6,000 6 IM Justin Wang, 20 Katy, TX $5,000 T-7 IM Grayson Rorrer, 19 Lockhart, TX $3,500 T-7 IM Sandeep Sethuraman, 18 Stanford, CA $3,500 9 FM Sharvesh Deviprasath, 19 Coppell, TX $2,500 10 IM Evan Park, 17 Pittsburgh, PA $2,000 Seventeen-Year-Old Zoey Tang Wins U.S. Junior Girls Championship FM/WGM Zoey Tang, 17, of Portland, OR, emerged victorious in the 2025 U.S. Junior Girls Championship, rising above a field of returning champions and rising stars. With the win, she earned $15,000 and secured an invitation to compete in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Championship — a major milestone in her already impressive career. It still feels a little surreal. I’ve played this tournament so many times, and to finally win it means so much. I didn’t want my fate to depend on other games—I wanted to fight for it myself. It wasn’t perfect chess, but I stayed resilient, and in the end, it paid off. I’m really grateful for everyone who supported me—my coach, my mom, and my friends cheering me on back home. — FM/WGM Zoey Tang Finishing in second place was 12-year-old WFM Megan Paragua of New York, NY, who stunned the field with her poise and skill, taking home $8,500. Rounding out the top three was WFM Rachael Li, 15, of Plano, TX, who earned $6,250 for her strong performance. U.S. JUNIOR GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS PLACE PLAYER LOCATION PRIZE MONEY 1 FM/WGM Zoey Tang, 17 Portland, OR $15,000 2 WFM Megan Paragua, 12 New York, NY $8,500 3 WFM Rachael Li, 15 Plano, TX $6,250 4 FM/WIM Ruiyang Yan, 18 Mountain View, CA $5,000 T-5 WIM Iris Mou, 15 New York, NY $3,375 T-5 NM Jasmine Su, 14 Darien, CT $3,375 7 FM Rose Atwell, 16 Valencia, CA $2,500 T-8 WFM Laurie Qiu, 12 Milpitas, CA $2,125 T-8 FM/WGM Rochelle Wu, 19 Azusa, CA $2,125 10 WIM Chloe Gaw, 16 New York, NY $1,750 GM Alex Fishbein Wins U.S. Senior Championship In the U.S. Senior division, GM Alex Fishbein was crowned champion after a hard-fought playoff on the final day, clinching his first U.S. Senior Championship title and earning an impressive $23,166.67. This win means a lot to me. I’ve had a long chess career, most of it while working outside the game. After stepping away from finance, I finally gave myself permission to really focus on chess again—and this tournament was my chance to see what I could do. I wasn’t the most talented player in the field, but I worked incredibly hard, and to have that effort rewarded at this stage in my life is incredibly meaningful. — GM Alex Fishbein The playoff followed a three-way tie at the top of the standings, with GM Vladimir Akopian of Glendale, CA and GM Alex Shabalov of Pittsburgh, PA finishing in a tie for second, each taking home $18,166.67. The event featured a formidable field of legendary players and Hall of Famers. U.S. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS PLACE PLAYER LOCATION PRIZE MONEY 1 GM Alex Fishbein Springhill, TN $23,166.67 T-2 GM Vladimir Akopian Glendale, CA $18,166.67 T-2 GM Alex Shabalov Pittsburgh, PA $18,166.67 T-4 GM Larry Christiansen Cambridge, MA $8,750 T-4 GM Alexander Goldin Lexington, KY $8,750 T-6 GM Igor Novikov Lexington, KY $5,500 T-6 GM Joel Benjamin Waldwick, NJ $5,500 T-8 GM Gregory Kaidanov Lexington, KY $4,250 T-8 GM Maxim Dlugy Albrightsville, PA $4,250 10 IM Timothy Taylor San Leandro, CA $3,500 If you missed the games live, you can rewatch the action, player interviews and event commentary by GMs Yasser Seirawan and Cristian Chirila and IM Nazi Paikidze by visiting the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels. Next up for the Saint Louis Chess Club are the final regular season events of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour, the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, taking place August 9–17, followed immediately by the Sinquefield Cup. 2025 U.S. SENIOR, JUNIOR, AND JUNIOR GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIPS July 15-25, 2025 | University Tower, Saint Louis Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
view all news, press, & insights U.S. No. 1 Carissa Yip Captures 2025 Cairns Cup Title in Dazzling Comeback Victory, Wins $65,000 Table of contents June 20 2025 News Press American Underdogs Yip and Lee Defy Odds to Finish 1–2 Against World-Class Field SAINT LOUIS, June 20, 2025 In what may be one of the most dramatic chess upsets of the year, International Masters (IM) Carissa Yip and Alice Lee — the two youngest and lowest-rated players in the field — defied odds to finish first and second at the 2025 Cairns Cup. Twenty-one-year-old Yip, the U.S. No. 1 women’s player, overcame a rocky start to clinch her first Cairns Cup title and $65,000, while 14-year-old Alice Lee delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament, finishing just behind her in second place. “I’m excited to kick off my life in Saint Louis with a win at the Cairns Cup. I had a bit of a shaky start and wasn’t feeling my best throughout the tournament, but I knew I had to turn things around. I’m proud I was able to power through and finish strong.” — IM Carissa Yip Yip, an alum of the Young Stars Program in partnership with the Kasparov Chess Foundation and Saint Louis Chess Club, recently announced her move to Saint Louis to train at the Saint Louis Chess Club, is now setting her sights on becoming only the second American woman to earn the full Grandmaster (GM) title. “Thank you to 10 of the top female chess players from around the world for coming to Saint Louis for the Cairns Cup. It was a great tournament. Congratulations to American Carissa Yip on winning the tournament as part of her goal of becoming a grandmaster.” — Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield The 2025 Cairns Cup final standings include: 2025 CAIRNS CUP FINAL STANDINGS PLACE NAME FEDERATION PRIZE MONEY 1 IM Carissa Yip 🇺🇸 USA $65,000 2 IM Alice Lee 🇺🇸 USA $50,000 3 GM Harika Dronavalli 🇮🇳 India $40,000 T-4 GM Nana Dzagnidze 🇬🇪 Georgia $17,750 T-4 GM Humpy Koneru 🇮🇳 India $17,750 T-4 IM Bibisara Assaubayeva 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan $17,750 T-4 IM Alina Kashlinskaya 🇵🇱 Poland $17,750 8 GM Mariya Muzychuk 🇺🇦 Ukraine $9,000 9 GM Tan Zhongyi 🇨🇳 China $8,000 10 GM Nino Batsiashvili 🇬🇪 Georgia $7,000 Total Prize Fund: $250,000 About the Cairns Cup Established in 2019, the Cairns Cup was created by the Saint Louis Chess Club to provide a competitive tournament for elite female players. Aptly named in honor of Saint Louis Chess Club co-founder Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield’s maiden name, the 2025 Cairns Cup featured a ten player field of top women from across the world competing for a $250,000 purse during the round robin style tournament held at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries from June 10-20. International Arbiter (IA) Maya Myers served as Chief Arbiter and IA Anastasia Sorokina was Deputy Arbiter. To rewatch all of the action from the tournament broadcast visit the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel. NEXT UP Catch World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and other top Grand Chess Tour players competing in the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries tournament, starting on July 2 with commentary from Grandmasters Yasser Seirawan and Peter Svidler, as well as IM Nazi Paikidze. Watch all the action live at grandchesstour.org Related CHESS NEWS prev next News Press Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Grandmaster Tan Zhongyi Claims Second Cairns Cup Crown Read the Article News Press Uncategorized New Champions Crowned in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s National Championships in Saint Louis Read the Article Blog News WCM Diana Lanni Withdraws from 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Championship Read the Article News Press World’s Top Women Chess Field Announced for 2026 Cairns Cup in Saint Louis Read the Article News Press Saint Louis Welcomes Rising Stars, Trailblazers and Chess Legends for Expanded 2026 U.S. Junior, Junior Girls’, Senior and Senior Women’s Championships Read the Article News Press U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) and Saint Louis Chess Club Host Bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament with Leading Chess Figures and Saint Louis Students in the Nation’s Capital Read the Article Blog News 2026 Saint Louis Masters by the Numbers Read the Article Blog News Beyond the Board: Digital Classroom Expands Chess Education Read the Article News Press Wesley So Wins Open; Alice Lee Secures Third Consecutive Women’s Title at 2026 American Cup Read the Article
