European Pro Championship 2026
European Pro Championship
The European Pro Championship is the highest-level professional Go competition in Europe, organized under the European Go Federation.
It brings together Europe’s certified professionals for a prestigious title event, showcasing top-level play, strategy, and tradition at the heart of the Go community.
Polytrade Grand Prix
The Polytrade Grand Prix is an international open tournament that welcomes players of all levels. It offers a dynamic atmosphere, attractive prizes, and the chance to face strong opponents from across Europe and beyond. Join us for two days of exciting games and enjoy a friendly, high-quality Go experience.
ABOUT
The relationship between the two events
The European Pro Championship and the Polytrade Grand Prix are hosted together to create a unified celebration of European Go. Bringing professional and open competitions into the same space strengthens the connection between top-level players and the broader Go community, offering inspiration, visibility, and shared experience for everyone involved.
Why the events take place together
Holding the two tournaments side by side creates a vibrant international atmosphere where players of all levels can meet, learn, and grow.
It allows fans, amateurs, and professionals to be part of a common event, fostering — exchange, mentorship, excitement, and a deeper appreciation of the game.
Why Bucharest in 2026
Bucharest offers a dynamic and welcoming setting for international Go.
With its growing community, strong organizational support, and increasing presence on the European Go map, the city provides the ideal environment for hosting both a prestigious professional title event and a large open tournament in the same week.
PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates
4–8 March 2026
Bucharest, Romania
Format
Tournament system: Round Robin — 7 rounds
Participants: 8 certified EGF professionals
Tie-breaks:
If two players finish with the same score, the mutual game determines the ranking.
In case of a three-way tie (each player winning one mutual game in a circle), additional games will be played to determine final placement.
Main time: 60 minutes
Byo-yomi / Increment: 20 seconds per move (Fischer time)
Rules: Chinese rules
Komi: 7.5
Special: EGF rule for removing the opponent’s stones applies
Tournament Officials
Tournament Leader: Liviu Oprișan
Referees: Damir Medak, Liviu Oprișan
Broadcast
All games will be broadcast live on OGS using AI IZIS Boards.
Players
A list of participating EGF professionals will be published closer to the event date.
Ali Jabarin 2p — “The Yose Master”
EGF Professional 2-dan (since 2014). Famous for his exceptional endgame precision and deep strategic understanding.
Pavol Lisý 2p — “The Unshakable”
EGF Professional 2-dan (since 2014). A steady, resilient player whose consistency and discipline define his competitive strength.
Mateusz Surma 3p — “Sabaki Master”
EGF Professional 3-dan (since 2015). Recognized for his clean, technical play and his ability to handle complex positions with elegance and control.
Artem Kachanovskyi 2p — “The Stone Man”
EGF Professional 2-dan (since 2016). Known for his calm, solid, unshakable style that makes him one of the most reliable players on the European scene.
Tanguy Le Calvé 1p — “The Free Spirit”
EGF Professional 1-dan (since 2019). A creative and unpredictable player, celebrated for his dynamic approach and imaginative board vision.
Andrii Kravets 1p — “The Precision Striker”
EGF Professional 1-dan (since 2017). Known for his sharp reading and accurate decision-making in the most critical moments of a game.
Stanisław Frejlak 1p — “TsumeGo Master”
EGF Professional 1-dan (since 2021). Highly skilled in reading and life-and-death problems, with an analytical style rooted in deep tactical insight.
Benjamin Dréan-Guénaïzia 1p — “The Artist”
EGF Professional 1-dan (since 2021). Recognized for his expressive, harmonious playing style, blending strategy with a unique artistic flair.
Prizes
Total prize fund: €5,800
Title awarded: European Professional Champion 2026
Dates
7–8 March 2026
Bucharest, Romania
Format
System: McMahon
Rounds: 5
EGF-rated- Grand Prix Bonus C Tournament
Main time: 60 minutes
Byo-yomi: 20 seconds x 3
Entry fee
€40 – early registration (until 31 December 2025)
€50 – standard registration (from 1 January 2026)
Registration is confirmed upon submitting the online form.
Prizes
Total prize fund: €3,000
Main prizes (Top 5)
Prize pool: €2,000
Special Awards
Dedicated prize pool: €1,000
1. Youngest Participant Award
Awarded to the youngest registered player who completes all rounds.
2. Lifetime Go Spirit Award
Celebrating the oldest participant in the tournament — a tribute to dedication, resilience, and a lifelong passion for Go.
3. Perfect Score Awards
Players achieving a 5-win streak receive a special prize, regardless of placement in the final standings.
SCHEDULE
Pro
Grand Prix
VENUE
The 2026 European Pro Championship and Polytrade Grand Prix will take place at the Capital Plaza Hotel Bucharest, a modern, centrally located venue known for its comfort and high-quality services.
All registered participants will enjoy complimentary coffee breaks throughout the event, creating relaxed opportunities to meet fellow players, share impressions between rounds, and experience the friendly atmosphere of the European Go community.
Moreover, attendees will benefit from live game commentary and insights offered by Cătălin Țăranu, 5P, whose professional experience adds depth, clarity, and inspiration to the key moments of the tournament.