Exciting Final Weekend Ahead at the 2025 American Cup
Heading into the final weekend of the 2025 American Cup, the excitement is at an all-time high as GM Hikaru Nakamura and IM Alice Lee have advanced to the Grand Final after winning their respective Champions Final matches. Nakamura defeated GM Fabiano Caruana, while Lee emerged victorious over WGM Tatev Abrahamyan.
In the Elimination Bracket, Caruana will face a rematch against GM Levon Aronian, and Abrahamyan will square off against GM Irina Krush. The winners of these matches will play a two-game classical match in the Grand Final, with playoffs, if necessary, following Sunday’s classical game.
If Nakamura or Lee win the Grand Final, they will secure the tournament victory. Otherwise, the Grand Final Reset will conclude the main event on Monday before the American Cup Blitz.
Both Nakamura and Lee can enjoy a rest day along with their Champions Bracket bonuses, with plenty more prize money up for grabs this weekend. The overall prizes for the tournament are substantial, with $75,000 for first place and $55,000 for second in the Open, and $40,000 for first and $30,000 for second in the Women’s category.
In a thrilling turn of events, Lee defeated Abrahamyan in their Champions Final match, with Lee showcasing a brilliant performance that impressed many. The Elimination Bracket has seen its fair share of upsets, with IM Nazi Paikidze knocking out top-seeded IM Carissa Yip and Krush eliminating IM Anna Zatonskih.
The tournament has been full of exciting moments, with Nakamura defeating Caruana in a blitz playoff and Aronian advancing to the Elimination Finals after defeating GM Wesley So and GM Sam Sevian. The action continues through the weekend, with the American Cup Blitz set to take place on the 24th.
Fans can follow all the action on Chess.com and watch live commentary on Twitch and YouTube, featuring top commentators from the Saint Louis Chess Club. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high as the 2025 American Cup heads into its final weekend.