“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup”
“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup” 9ᵗʰ European Pro Championship 2026
“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup” 9ᵗʰ European Pro Championship 2026 is among Europe’s leading professional Go competitions, organized in partnership with the European Go Federation, with support from the Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation.
The event brings together professional Go players holding a valid passport from an EGF member country to compete for a prestigious title in a premium tournament setting.
Local hosting costs are covered for professional participants, ensuring optimal conditions for focus and performance at Capital Plaza Hotel, Bucharest.
Polytrade Grand Prix
The Polytrade Grand Prix is an international open tournament welcoming players of all levels, held in a premium setting at Capital Plaza Hotel, Bucharest.
Participants will enjoy complimentary coffee breaks, live commentary and game insights by Catalin Taranu 5P, and the opportunity to compete against strong opponents from across Europe and beyond.
The event features a €2,500 prize fund, rewarding places 1–5, along with special awards, and offers two days of high-level competition in a friendly, professional atmosphere.
The Polytrade Grand Prix is proudly sponsored by Polytrade Global.
VENUE
Capital Plaza Hotel, Bucharest (4★)
Centrally located hotel, within walking distance of Piața Victoriei
On-site accommodation and dining options.
Preferential rates available for Polytrade Grand Prix participants:
→ Book directly via the hotel: Capital Plaza Hotel
or contact larisa.ivan@capitalplaza.ro
How to reach
From the airport (Henri Coandă – OTP):
Take the airport train to Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord)From Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord):
Take the subway (M1) to Piața Victoriei (one stop)
SCHEDULE
“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup” 9ᵗʰ European Pro Championship 2026
The tournament is played in a round-robin format.
Wednesday – March 4
Arrival day.
19:00 – Dinner
Thursday – March 5
Opening Ceremony and Drawing of Lots at 09:15.
10:00 – Round 1
15:00 – Round 2
Friday – March 6
10:00 – Round 3
15:00 – Round 4
Saturday – March 7
10:00 – Round 5
15:00 – Round 6
Sunday – March 8
10:00 – Final round
17:00 – Award Ceremony
Attendance at the Award Ceremony is required in order to receive prizes.
Daily meals
Breakfast at 08:00.
Lunch at 13:00.
Dinner at 19:00.
Meals are provided from March 4 (dinner) to March 8 (lunch).
Polytrade Grand Prix
Saturday – March 7
09:00 – Registration
10:00 – Round 1
14:00 – Round 2
17:00 – Round 3
Sunday – March 8
10:00 – Round 4
14:00 – Round 5
17:00 – Award Ceremony
Live Commentary
Live game commentary and insights will be provided by Catalin Taranu 5P.
Saturday – March 7
Live commentary sessions at 11:30 and 15:30.
Sunday – March 8
Live commentary session at 11:30.
TOURNAMENT RULES & INFO
“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup” 9ᵗʰ European Pro Championship 2026
Dates
March 4–8, 2026
Venue
Capital Plaza Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Officials
Tournament Director: Liviu Oprisan
Chief Referee: Damir Medak
Referee: Liviu Oprisan
EGF Officials: Li Ting, EGF Vice President; Damir Medak, EGF Vice President
Tournament system
Round Robin — 7 rounds
Participants
Professional Go players holding passports from EGF member countries.
Tie-breaks
If two players finish with the same score, the result of their mutual game determines the ranking.
In case of a three-way tie (each player winning one mutual game), additional games will be played to determine the final placement.
Time control
Main time: 45 minutes
Increment: 20 seconds per move (Fischer time)
Rules
Chinese rules
Komi: 7.5
EGF rule for removing the opponent’s stones applies
Polytrade Grand Prix
Limited to 120 players
Dates
March 7–8, 2026
Venue
Capital Plaza Hotel, Bucharest, Romania
Officials
Tournament Director: Liviu Oprisan
Chief Referee: Damir Medak
Referees: Liviu Oprisan, Marius Ion
Tournament system
McMahon system — 5 rounds
Participants
Open tournament for players of all levels
Time control
Main time: 60 minutes
Byo-yomi: 30 seconds × 3 periods
Rules
Japanese rules
Komi: 6.5
“Tsinghua Weiqi Foundation Cup”
9ᵗʰ European Pro Championship 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jan Šimara 1p — “The Quiet Bohemian”
EGF Professional 1-dan (since 2023). A composed and thoughtful competitor, representing a generation of European professionals with a balanced approach to the game.
PRIZES
Total prize fund: To be announced
Title awarded: European Professional Champion 2026
Limited to 120 players
ENTRY FEES
Early Stones – €35 (until January 10, 2026)
Steady Play – €40 (until February 23, 2026)
Last Moves – €50 (from February 24, 2026)
Payment details
Account holder: Federatia Romana de Go
Bank: Banca Comerciala Romana
IBAN: RO77 RNCB 0092 0005 5890 0004
SWIFT / BIC: RNCBROBUXXX
Please include the player’s name in the payment reference.
The applicable entry fee is determined by the date of payment, not by the registration date.
PRIZES
Total prize fund: €2,500
Main prizes (Top 5) – €2,100
1st place: €700
2nd place: €500
3rd place: €400
4th place: €300
5th place: €200
Special Awards – €400 dedicated prize pool
Youngest Participant Award
Awarded to the youngest registered player who completes all rounds.
Lifetime Go Spirit Award
Celebrating the oldest participant in the tournament — a tribute to dedication, resilience, and a lifelong passion for Go.
Perfect Score Awards
Players achieving a 5-win streak receive a special prize, regardless of their final placement.