by Davron Yuldashev, President of the Kyrgyz Go Federation

The Issyk-Kul Go Cup, held annually in June by the shores of the high-altitude Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, has quickly become one of the most unique and atmospheric Go tournaments in Central Asia. With breathtaking views of the Tian Shan mountain range and a warm, welcoming community, the tournament has earned a reputation for combining competitive spirit with cultural depth.



In 2024, the event gathered over 100 participants from Kyrgyzstan and European countries. A standout moment was the participation of Jonas Welticke (6 dan) from Germany, who took second place after a series of intense games. A special guest of the tournament was Korean professional Seongi Kim (5 dan), who did not compete but hosted masterclasses and analyzed games, adding an atmosphere of mentorship and dialogue between different levels of play.


Quintin Connell, a participant from the United Kingdom, praised the harmony between tradition and relaxation, admiring the natural beauty of the lake and the friendly atmosphere of the tournament. He described the Issyk-Kul Go Cup as a place where "every conversation becomes a learning moment, and every sunset marks the end of a perfect Go day."



Since its debut in 2022, the tournament has steadily grown in international popularity. By 2023, it had expanded beyond the Central-Asia, attracting participants from countries such as Korea, Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, Japan, and others, continuously drawing in more players and ideas.

What to Expect in 2025?

The highlight of the upcoming tournament will be a focus on Kyrgyz national traditions, which will be seamlessly integrated into the event program. Participants can look forward to:

Building a traditional yurt with local craftsmen
Masterclasses in Toguz Korgool — the strategic board game of nomads
Archery and folk games
A buffet featuring Kyrgyz national cuisine, masterclasses, and a tourist program around the lake

These elements offer a deeper immersion into Kyrgyz culture and create a special atmosphere beyond the board.

The Issyk-Kul Go Cup is not just a tournament. It’s a gathering of minds and cultures, a space where dan-level players and beginners alike play under the open sky, and conversations continue long after the games are over.

Registration and details: sengoku.net.kg

[Ed. -- The Kyrgyz Go Federation is not a full EGF member, nevertheless its go community has been growing quickly in the last years and the EGF supports its efforts into developping go in Central Asia.]