The U.S. Chess Capital welcomes elite players for a high-stakes, double-elimination tournament competing for $400,000 in Prizes

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

How to Watch The American Cup

Beginning 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260211100758/en/

With $400,000 on the line and the nation’s top players competing in a double-elimination format, the American Cup delivers world-class chess at the highest level.