Two Frontrunners Emerge Victorious in the 2025 American Cup

The 2025 American Cup concluded with two frontrunners emerging victorious in the prestigious chess tournament. IM Alice Lee successfully defended her title from last year, while GM Hikaru Nakamura, who sat out the previous edition, claimed victory once again.

Both Lee and Nakamura navigated their way to the Grand Final through the Champions Bracket, giving them a chance to compete for the championship even if they lost the initial Grand Final match. Nakamura ultimately secured a 1½–½ victory over his opponent, Caruana, in the Grand Final, earning himself a $90,000 prize.

In the Women’s tournament, WGM Tatev Abrahamyan emerged as the underdog, defeating Lee in a decisive classical game. Abrahamyan’s impressive performance throughout the tournament earned her a second-place finish and a $30,000 prize.

Overall, the 2025 American Cup was a thrilling event filled with intense matches and surprising outcomes. The tournament showcased the exceptional talent and skill of the participants, solidifying their places in the world of competitive chess.