Exciting Announcement: 2024 US Masters in Charlotte, NC with Fabiano Caruana Leading the Field
The 2024 US Masters, the strongest open tournament in the United States, is set to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and promises to be an exciting event for chess enthusiasts. Hosted by the Charlotte Chess Center, Chess.com’s official partner, the tournament will kick off on November 27 and will feature a substantial $28,000 prize fund. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to earn important FIDE Circuit points that could potentially secure their spot in the next Candidates Tournament.
Leading the pack at the US Masters is none other than GM Fabiano Caruana, the highest FIDE-rated player in U.S. history. Caruana’s participation in the tournament could pave the way for his sixth consecutive appearance in the Candidates Tournament in 2026. However, he will face stiff competition from other strong grandmasters such as Grigoriy Oparin, Alexander Donchenko, and Abhimanyu Mishra.
Adding to the excitement of the event is the confirmation of star content creator and commentator GM Daniel Naroditsky as a special VIP guest. Fans can look forward to interacting with Naroditsky, who will also participate in the satellite blitz event, host lectures, and review games from the US Masters. Other notable players, including WGM Dina Belenkaya and FM James Canty, will also be in attendance, making for a star-studded lineup.
The tournament will not only feature the main US Masters event but also two additional tournaments for players of varying skill levels. Speed enthusiasts can participate in the Saturday night blitz tournament with a $2,000 prize fund, while those who prefer classical chess can join the $13,000 NC Open.
With past winners like Jose Martinez, Christopher Yoo, and Mikhail Antipov returning to compete, the 2024 US Masters promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive event. Who will emerge victorious this year? Share your predictions in the comments below and stay tuned for all the exciting updates from the tournament.