SEOUL — A new era in international Go (Baduk) begins as the 1st Shinhan Bank World Gi-Seon Cup officially opens its doors. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 PM today, December 23, at the Shinhan Bank headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, welcoming 32 elite professional players from South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Following the ceremony, the tournament will move to the Korea Baduk Association in Seongdong-gu, where the Round of 32 knockout stage will commence on December 24. The competition will proceed rapidly through the semifinals by December 29, culminating in a best-of-three final series in February 2025 to determine the first champion.

The Richest Annual Major

The World Gi-Seon Cup has immediately positioned itself as a premier event on the global circuit. With a winner’s purse of 400 million KRW (approx. $300,000) and a runner-up prize of 100 million KRW, it boasts the highest prize money among world championships held on an annual cycle. This substantial financial incentive has ensured a field comprised of the world’s top-tier talent.

Star-Studded Field: Korea vs. China

South Korea, the host nation, enters the fray with a formidable 15-player lineup. This includes the nation’s top five ranked players: Shin Jin-seo, Park Jung-hwan, Byeon Sang-il, Shin Min-jun, and Lee Ji-hyun. Notably, Nakamura Sumire 4-dan, who recently transferred to the Korean Baduk Association, joins the roster as a wildcard entry.

China and Japan have each sent seven representatives, while Taiwan and Vietnam contribute two and one players, respectively.

The primary spotlight remains on Shin Jin-seo 9-dan, the undisputed world number one. Despite a disappointing Round of 16 exit in last month’s Samsung Cup, the nine-time major champion remains the heavy favorite. However, the challenge from China is significant. Ding Hao 9-dan, who recently climbed to the top of the Chinese rankings in December, leads the charge. Having secured three major titles (including the Samsung and LG Cups), Ding has proven exceptionally strong in Korean-hosted tournaments. China’s roster also features Dang Yifei 9-dan, the recent Lanke Cup champion, and rising star Wang Xinghao 9-dan.

From Japan, all eyes are on Ichiriki Ryo 9-dan, the reigning Ing Cup champion, who looks to restore Japan's prominence on the international stage.

A Fast-Paced Format with High Stakes

Experts predict a highly unpredictable tournament due to the specific match format. The World Gi-Seon Cup utilizes the Fischer timing system, providing each player with 30 minutes of basic time and an additional 20 seconds per move. This "fast-Go" element is expected to increase the pressure, leading to aggressive play and potential upsets.

As the 32-player bracket begins tomorrow, the Go world watches to see if Shin Jin-seo can defend his home turf or if a new champion will emerge from the intensified competition of this record-breaking tournament.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]