This year EGC took place in the beautiful city of Tampere, a southern Finland city located between two beautiful lakes.

I've been to a lot of tournaments in Europe but this was my first time going to the EGC. And it turned out to be even better than I expected.

While playing Baduk is still the focus of the EGC, there's a lot more to the EGC than Baduk. And I think that's why the tournament attracts people from so many different countries not just in Europe but from around the world.
Despite being called European Go Congress it's fair to say that it could be called World Go Congress. The passion for Baduk runs high among the participants. For a lot of players it takes a lot of effort and money to be able to attend the EGC. I was able to meet people from U.S.A., Asia, and even South America! I was very happy to see so many people with the same passion as me.


The tournament schedule is made in a way that there's a lot of free time for the players to socialize, make new friendships, drink together and have fun. I think this is the most important aspect of the tournament. And it's what it makes it so special.

There are no similar tournaments in Korea. Korean tournaments are all about Baduk and usually don't have side activities. There's a Baduk camp in Korea that is somehow similar but it's only for young people. I wish there would be a tournament like the EGC in Korea, I'm sure it would help to create stronger bonds of friendship among the Korean players.

Next EGC will be in France. I certainly hope I will be able to attend it.