This year’s European Shogi Championship (ESC) and World Open Shogi Championship (WOSC) took place from July 24-27 in Wroclaw, western Poland.

The 32 best European players participated in the ESC. Anton Starykevich from Belarus won, defeating fellow countryman Uladzislau Zakrzheuski. Third place went to former European champion Jean Fortin from France.

110 players from 20 countries participated in this year’s WOSC, which was played over nine rounds. Almost all European countries were represented, but participants also traveled from Colombia, Brazil, and Singapore. Most of the 14 Japanese participants currently live in Europe, but some traveled from Japan specifically for the tournament.

Anton Starykevich also won the WOSC, winning all nine of his matches, demonstrating his exceptional skill. Nishimoto Keisuke of Japan, who currently lives in Amsterdam, finished second, ahead of Zhuo Loon Lim, who traveled from Singapore to the tournament.

For complete results, please click here.

The tournament was accompanied by professional player Yuiji Masuda, 7th Dan, who had been sent to Wroclaw as the official representative of Nihon Shogi Renmei. He offered almost nonstop game analysis and played instructional games.
Professional player Takada Shohei, 7th Dan, and professional trainers Ishikawa Yasushi and Sanda Tetsuaki also came to Wroclaw and actively participated in the training activities for the European amateurs.

At the end of each day of play, Wroclaw, with its traditional old town and many beautiful restaurants, offered participants a variety of opportunities to round off the day with a good meal and strengthen friendships.

Next year’s ESC/WOSC will be hosted by the city of Paderborn, Germany.