Young chess master Alice Lee, of North Oaks, has taken home her second Women’s American Cup championship win after competing last week against seven other women in St. Louis.

“After winning the Classical, I knew anything could happen in the Blitz,” Lee, 15, said in a press release. “I’ll probably get ice cream to celebrate and I’ll probably splurge by getting my mom to buy my cat some new treats.”

The 2025 tournament, organized by the St. Louis Chess Club, took place March 15-24 at the World Chess Hall of Fame. The event had a total prize fund of $400,000 and “featured a high-intensity double-elimination knockout format,” according to the release.

In the grand final playoff on Sunday, Lee defeated Woman Grandmaster Tatev Abrahamyan 2-0, earning her $49,000.

“Alice’s achievement at such a young age is truly remarkable, and we’re excited for her future in chess,”  technical director Tony Rich said in the release. The St. Louis Chess Club has highlights posted on its YouTube channel.

Lee got her start playing the intense game of skill at just six years old. She became a U.S. Chess Expert at eight, Chess National Master at 10 and has kept her title as International Chess Master after defeating the woman who inspired her, Irina Krush, at last year’s competition.

The teenager shared with the Pioneer Press last year that she teaches online chess lessons to young girls interested in learning and improving their skills and plans to do so until she graduates high school. She said that seeing other girls and women show interest in the male-dominated game excites her.

Abrahamyan, of St. Louis, finished in second place, winning $30,000, and Grand Master Krush from Ukraine finished third, taking home $20,000.

Related Articles

Divided St. Paul City Council recommends new Ward 4 appointee for Friday vote

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Children’s Home to merge

Downtown St. Paul: Nonprofit law firm was given just days to move up to 50 offices

Oakdale celebrates 50 years of Arbor Day tree giveaways

St. Paul mayor, Wild owner pitch Xcel Energy Center to senate panel