General Discussion

Chess has historically offered less opportunities to women so there are no current women players who would be in the top 100 players in the world.

So currently, having women’s only tournaments is the only avenue for women to compete. Women can compete in the men’s tournaments if they qualify or get a special invite, but they simply aren’t competitive with the top 50 male players who are at these events on the regular.

Women’s chess is growing though and there are more and more elite women players, it’s just a matter of time before some of them will start to challenge for the big titles IMO. But until then, women’s only tourneys are a good way for women to compete and gain sponsorships.

Chess is a weird sport. Only the top 25 or so players can make a living playing chess. Anyone else making a living off chess is streaming to make money.