Entries are now open for the 2020 Championship, aka the Top 8. Entry is open to all Irish nationals, and to non-nationals resident in Ireland for a minimum of five years. In addition to determining the Irish Champion, places in the Championship carry points towards representing Ireland at the World Amateur Go Championship.

Format

The format of the tournament for 2020 will be an eight-player double elimination tournament, followed by a best-of-three series between the two players who survive the double elimination. Seeds for the double elimination will be assigned according to EGF rating. The double elimination will take place in Dublin (venue to be confirmed) over the weekend of January 25th/26th.

Qualification

The top four finishers from the 2019 championship automatically qualify for the 2020 Championship. In the event that there are more than four entrants for the remaining places, qualifying games will be played in the first two weeks of January. These qualifying games may be played online.

How to Enter

The closing date for entries is December 15th. To enter, email Eoghan Barry with an expression of interest. There is no minimum rank for entry. There is no fee for entry, but you must be paid-up member of the IGA to play in the double elimination stage (dues can be paid at the tournament).

Schedule

Dec 15th: Deadline for entry
Jan 1st–15th: Qualifying games (if required)
Jan 25th–26th: Top 8
February: Best-of-three series