Olexandr Bortnyk shared his opinion on high-tier professional chess in an interview with Chess with Mustreader. Bortnyk says that Grand Chess Tour participants rarely change. Olexandr believes that American chess players are lucky to receive support from Rex Sinquefield.

Olexandr Bortnyk

Olexandr Bortnyk

Ukrainian GM

“[Question: What about achieving 2700 in Classical? You could reach that level and then it could become quite profitable. Those guys who play the Grand Chess Tour, for example, make big bucks there.]

But how many of them play in the Grand Chess Tour? And don’t forget — same names. It’s always the same players. Only one or two guys change. They got lucky. They had a billionaire Sinquefield just writing checks, and they’re playing for those. They got lucky. I’m happy for them, not jealous at all.

For example, Vachier-Lagrave dropped his whole rating. He’s 2720. He’s still one of the best, but they could easily invite, for example, why not Arjun? They invite Van Foreest instead of Erigaisi. Van Foreest is a cool player, but they will always have the same names.

If people think 2700 means you’re a big millionaire — of course not. I still think online I will make more money than at 2700. 2700 doesn’t give you invitations. 2750, I think, they’re well paid in leagues. Like the Bundesliga or some other league.

But if you live in the USA, congratulations! For chess, it’s one of the worst places.”

The Saint Louis Chess Club in Missouri hosts a large number of major national and international events. In 2026, the club hosted the Sinquefield Cup ($475,000 prize fund), the Grand Chess Tour Finals ($450,000), the U.S. Chess Championships ($402,000), the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz ($200,000), and other events.

Credit: Michal Walusza