Bruno Poltronieri Claims 7th Place at the World Amateur Go Championship 2026
British representative Bruno Poltronieri 4d secured an excellent 7th place finish at the 46th World Amateur Go Championship (WAGC), held in Mungyeong, South Korea from 6-13 September.
Competing against representatives from 52 nations over eight rounds, Bruno finished with an impressive 6–2 record. His campaign featured victories over 5 dan players from France and Ukraine, only losing games to a 5 dan from Poland and a 6 dan from Singapore. This result marks the first top 10 finish at WAGC by a British player in 34 years—since Matthew Macfadyen’s 5th place in 1992.
We caught up with Bruno after his return from South Korea to discuss his tournament experience on and off the board, and future Go plans.
Interview
Q. As one of the strongest British players over the past 15 years, how would you summarise your journey so far?
I started playing Go in 2009 when I was in secondary school and had lots of time to spare! I progressed quickly at first, reaching dan level relatively quickly. My early progress and enthusiasm was helped by attending several fantastic events where I made life-long friends: Experience Go in China in Beijing in 2011, three consecutive EGCs in 2013-15 and the Osaka Go Camp in 2015.
Progress slowed down of course, especially after university when I started working. I had a few years where I wasn't very active, but I made another push after Covid to go to tournaments and try to improve. I made three British title matches in a row in 2021-23 and lost all three, but it was a great experience every time. Since then I've not always been able to find the time to play and study, but I am staying active and enjoying Go.
My greatest achievement in Go has been to persuade my wife Kerry to take it up. She's now 13 kyu and tournaments are much more fun now that we can attend them together.
Q. What was your goal going into the tournament, and at what point did you realise a top 10 finish was possible?
I've played in two KPMCs in Korea in the past and didn't perform particularly well in either. I've also had very little time for Go in the last 6 months, so my expectations were low. Thankfully my jetlag wasn't too bad this time and the time settings weren't too fast, so I was able to perform well.
A top 10 finish was completely unexpected and it wasn't until the final round was about to start that I was told I might finish above Korea! Of course I realise that due to the quirks of the pairing system, I had relatively easy pairings and finishing 7th was mostly luck. Even so, I'm happy with my performance.
Q. Of the eight games that you played, are there any in particular that you’re proud of—perhaps your close wins over two 5 dans?
Actually my two close wins against 5 dans should not have gotten so close, so I'm not too proud of the late middle-game in those games. What I'm most pleased with is that I don't think I played any moves I would consider blunders in the whole tournament. I was able to stay focused through the entire games and my time management was good.
Q. The WAGC is both a world championship and cultural exchange—how was the tournament organisation this year and your experience off the board?
In my opinion it is a cultural exchange first and foremost. This is my first WAGC, but as it was hosted in Korea, it was organised by the KBA so was similar to the two KPMCs I've attended. As usual I was very impressed by the organisation, the side events, and the generosity of the hosts.
The event was held in Mungyeong, a small town in a mountainous region about 3 hours southeast of Seoul. I love when events like this take place in areas I would never otherwise have a chance to visit. Everyone there was very welcoming, from the local Go club who came to play in the friendship games on the first day, the aunties who served us local snacks and drinks between games, to the Taekwondo club who gave us an impressive demonstration during the opening ceremony. One highlight was the food served to us at our accommodation, which was varied and healthy and gave us a great taste of local Korean food.
It was a great event not just for the players but also for their companions. My wife came along and made friends with the other non-players who all had a great time throughout.
Q. You've been in great form recently and are now on the cusp of reaching 5 dan. Did you alter your study routine in some way, and has stronger-than-human AI had a positive effect on your game?
5 dan has been a goal for me for a long time now. I'm now only 10 GoR away so I will definitely be making a push for it next year! 6 dan feels completely out of reach with my current level and style, so I'm not sure what I'll do next.
AI has definitely had a positive effect on my game and learning, but probably no more than it has for most other players. Most of my progress recently has been from improving my time management, my play under time pressure, and the mental aspects of the game.
Rapid-Fire Questions
Q. Black or white?
White. I'm much better at countering my opponent's plans than coming up with my own.
Q. Influence or territory?
Neither. I used to be very territorial, and still lean that way, but I now try to be flexible depending on each game.
Q. Online or over the board?
Over the board. I like playing online but I can never fully focus.
Q. Chinese or Japanese rules?
Chinese, though I'm ashamed to admit I've still not learned how to count the Chinese way.
Q. Long games or rapid/blitz?
Long, which is probably obvious to anyone who has seen me play.
Q. Favourite Go book?
Zone Press Park by O Meien, if you've read it then you'll know why.
Congratulations to Bruno and we thank him for taking the time to answer our questions.
Links
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