London Open

The London Open is often the UK's biggest tournament. It is always held at the new year period: 28th - 31st December. It first ran at new year 1974/75 (2nd - 5th January) and has run every new year since (apart from 2020).

Previously, over 100 players have taken part - even up to 150. Players battle over 4 days in 7 rounds, with long time limits. Many come from continental Europe and further away too, and usually several top European players take part. The top player gets to hold the London Open Trophy with cash prizes for the top players and certificates for other good results too. Prizes are also given for the Lightning Tournament, held one evening, and Rengo on the final afternoon.

Another evening event is the London Pair Go. Around a dozen male-female pairs compete for the best pair title. For more details see the London Pair Go Page.

There is usually a professional teacher, the most frequent one being Guo Juan from the Netherlands and Ali Jabarin from Israel. They give lectures and analyse games. Other teachers have come from Japan, Korea and China. In 2021 the teacher will be Mateusz Surma 2p.

The venue from 2018 on is the London Go Centre. It is supported by the T Mark Hall Foundation and Nippon Club UK.

In 2023 also hosting the European Grand Prix final, a knock-out competition between 16 top European players.

We are pleased and honoured to have Ohashi Hirofumi 7P from the Nihon-Kiin as the professional-in-residence for the 50th edition of the London Open Go Congress in 2024.

History