Event Details

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025

World Chess Hall of Fame

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 Sinquefield’s maiden name, the tournament reinforces her commitment to women’s chess. In 2024, she created the Cairns Chess Queens Award, a $100,000 award for any woman in the United States who achieves the Grandmaster title.

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

 

2025 CAIRNS CUP EVENT SCHEDULE

DATE TIME TOURNAMENT ROUNDS
Tuesday, June 10 12:00 PM Round 1
Wednesday, June 11 12:00 PM Round 2
Thursday, June 12 12:00 PM Round 3
Friday, June 13 12:00 PM Round 4
Saturday, June 14 12:00 PM Round 5
Sunday, June 15 Rest Day
Monday, June 16 12:00 PM Round 6
Tuesday, June 17 12:00 PM Round 7
Wednesday, June 18 12:00 PM Round 8
Thursday, June 19 12:00 PM Round 9
Friday, June 20 12:00 PM Rapid Playoff (if needed) – G/15+10
2:00 PM Blitz Playoff (if needed) – G/3+2
7:00 PM Closing Ceremony
Playoffs will be held in case of a tie for first place according to the tournament regulations.
All times are in Central Daylight Time (CDT)