The 2024 World Youth Go Championship (WYGC), held from August 25-30 in Vatra Dornei, Romania, gathered young Go players from 15 countries for the 39th edition of this prestigious tournament. Sponsored by the Ing Chang-Ki Foundation and organized by Asociația Dorna Go, led by Mihaela and Catalin Taranu, the event was an exceptional mix of competition, cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure in the beautiful Dorna Land.




The Venue: Cazinoul Băilor in Vatra Dornei

The historic Cazinoul Băilor, set amidst the serene Carpathian Mountains, provided an ideal venue for the tournament. Its elegant architecture and natural surroundings fostered focus and relaxation for participants. As excitement builds for the European Go Youth Championship 2025, set to take place at this same venue, Vatra Dornei continues to establish itself as a hub for international Go competitions. The EYGC 2025 webpage will be released this month on asociatiadornago.com.

European Players at WYGC2024
The six European representatives gave commendable performances at the championship:

• Vsevolod Ovsiienko 6 dan (UA), Xing Yuze 5 dan (DE), and Olesia Malko 3 dan (UA) competed in the U18 group.

• Bartik Dach 3 dan (CZ), Bende Barcza 3 dan (HU), and Ryan Zhang 3 dan (UK) competed in the U12 group

Romanian Representation

The Romanian organizers were also represented in the tournament by Albert Brucker 5 kyu from Vatra Dornei, highlighting the local talent involved in the event.

WYGC2024 Results: China and Korea Dominate

In the U12 and U18 categories, China claimed victory in the U12 group, while Korea won the U18 category, continuing their strong tradition in youth Go. A standout performance came from Ryan Zhang of the UK, who reached the semifinals in the U12 category, representing Europe’s growing presence in the global Go arena.
All WYGC2024 games can be found here : https://online-go.com/group/14571


European Players: Strong Efforts Beyond Results

While China and Korea took the top spots, the European players delivered performances that far exceeded their final results, displaying strategic brilliance and skill on the board. Their efforts signal the growing strength of the European youth Go community, setting the stage for future success in international competitions.

WYGC2024 was a celebration of youth talent, culture, and adventure, but also a reminder of missed opportunities for greater engagement. The lack of broadcasting and stronger connections of the youth activities with the European pro system were areas for improvement.




The Open Youth Tournament: Expanding Opportunities

Alongside the main event, WYGC2024 featured a youth-only Open Tournament, allowing even more young Go players to compete. This side event provided a relaxed but competitive atmosphere where additional youth participants could test their skills and connect with international peers.

Days of Japanese Culture Festival: A Cultural Highlight

The Days of Japanese Culture Festival, held from August 29-31, ran concurrently with the championship, offering participants and visitors an immersive cultural experience. The festival featured traditional tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and calligraphy workshops, showcasing Japan’s rich heritage. This cultural exchange deepened the connection between Japan and Go, with the Japanese Ambassador to Romania attending to lend additional significance to the event.

Outdoor Adventures in Dorna Land

WYGC2024 participants also explored the breathtaking outdoor landscapes of Dorna Land, highlighted by an exciting river rafting trip on the Dorna River. Players and their families enjoyed navigating the rapids while taking in the stunning Carpathian scenery. Following the rafting adventure, participants relaxed in the famous thermal baths of Vatra Dornei, creating a perfect balance of excitement and rejuvenation.


Vatra Dornei versus the World: Friendly Football Match

Adding to the camaraderie of the event, a friendly “Vatra Dornei versus the World” football match was held, where local youth players faced off against an international team of Go participants. This lighthearted match fostered friendships and added a fun and social dimension to the tournament.



Special Thanks to the Ing Chang-Ki Foundation and Mr. Yang Yu-Chia

We extend our gratitude to the Ing Chang-Ki Foundation for their continued sponsorship of the WYGC and to Mr. Yang Yu-Chia for his dedication to Mr. Ing Chang-Ki’s vision of one day seeing a Western Go champion. Mr. Yang’s determination to promote Go globally and support young talent remains an inspiration to the entire Go community.


Romania’s Growing Legacy in the World of Go

WYGC2024 was a testament to Romania’s growing importance in the international Go community. Hosting the World Youth Go Championship for the second time, Romania—supported by CSM Dorna Vatra Dornei, the Embassy of Japan, and local sponsors—demonstrated its capability to organize world-class events that blend competition, culture, and adventure.

The success of the 2024 championship, from China’s victory in the U12 category to Korea’s dominance in the U18 group, along with Ryan Zhang’s outstanding semifinal run, highlighted the global talent present at the event. The tournament, coupled with the Days of Japanese Culture Festival, river rafting, spa relaxation, and cultural excursions, made WYGC2024 an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Romania’s second hosting of the WYGC will be remembered as a unique edition that celebrated not only the future of Go but also the power of cultural exchange and global friendships.



Article written by Mihaela and Catalin Taranu, with the help of Chat GPT :)