From October 30th to November 4th, 2026, the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia will be the host city of the 8th Latin American Go Congress.
Held in the Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand located in Bocagrande, next to the Caribbean Sea and Cartagena’s historic walled city, it will bring together several of the most important Go events in the Latin American go scene like the 26th Ibero American Go Championship, the final match of the 10th Pandanet Go Latin American Team Championship between Chile and Mexico among others.
But this event is not just about competition, it’s also about learning, making new friends, and celebrating the passion for the game of Go in one of the most iconic destinations in Latin America.
The 26th Ibero-American Go Championship
At the heart of the congress will be the 26th Ibero American Go Championship, traditionally known as the “Ibero”. An open tournament in Mcmahon system featuring six rounds and open to players of all levels.
The “Ibero” provides an opportunity for players from different countries and playing strengths to compete in the same event while sharing an environment dedicated entirely to Go. For experienced competitors, it offers the challenge of international competition; for newer players, it represents an opportunity to experience a major Go event and meet members of the wider community.
The championship will take place over three days, with two rounds scheduled each day, starting Saturday October, 31st and finishing on Monday November, 2nd.
More Than a single Tournament
The program includes the 10th season finale of the Pandanet Latin American Team Championship, where Chile and Mexico qualified after finishing 1st and 2nd respectively in the regular season and will face each other for the title.
The 8th Latin American Pair Go Championship will also be held, offering players the opportunity to compete in mixed pairs and experience one of the game’s most social and entertaining formats.
Younger players will have their own space through the 7th Latin American Youth Championship, helping to strengthen the next generation of Latin American Go players.
An International Lineup of Professional Players
The congress will also feature lectures, game reviews and simultaneous games with top level professional players. These activities provide an opportunity for participants to learn directly from high-level players and teachers while examining the strategic and technical aspects of the game.
The line up is topped by Yoonyoung Kim, a Korean 8-dan professional player with an extensive international career. Kim began learning Go at the age of five and became a professional in 2007. Her achievements include winning the Women’s Kisei Cup in 2010, earning a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, and competing in major international tournaments. She has also represented Korea as a member of the national women’s team. She is currently living in Canada and raising 2 children.
Joining her is Wu Zitian, a Chinese 3-dan professional player with extensive experience in both high-level training and Go education. He became a professional 1-dan in 2008 and was promoted to 3-dan in 2012. He coached dan-level players at the Nie Weiping Academy before spending eight years as a coach in the advanced full-time training program at the Ge Yuhong Academy both in Beijing. From 2022 to 2024, he worked in research and development for a Weiqi program at Beijing Smart Walnut Technology, and he currently oversees online teaching at the Ge Yuhong Weiqi Academy. Wu is also the author of Violent Aesthetics of Weiqi, co-author of instructional books on opening and middle-game tactics, and a former columnist for Weiqi World magazine.
Next in the line up is Zhang Nianqi, a Chinese 2-dan professional Weiqi player and national first-class athlete. Zhang became a professional 1-dan in 2009 and was promoted to 2-dan in 2021. Beginning his coaching career in 2013, Zhang spent a decade teaching and training competitive players, including several who went on to become professionals themselves. In 2023, he took on a new leadership role as deputy director of the China Youth Weiqi Sports School in Quzhou, combining his experience as a professional player and coach with the development of a new generation of young Weiqi talent.
Another notable guest is Qiyou Wu, the newest professional Go player in North America. In July 2026, Wu completed an extraordinary journey through the 2026 North American Professional Qualification and earned the rank of 1-dan professional.
Together, the invited professionals represent different generations, backgrounds and Go traditions. Their combined experience will create an diverse learning and competitive environment for participants at this event.
Cartagena as the Perfect Host City
A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its colonial architecture, Caribbean atmosphere and historic fortifications, Cartagena offers visitors a combination of history, culture and tropical scenery.
The congress will be held at the Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, located in Bocagrande, close to the beach, restaurants and the historic center. Participants will also have the option of staying at the nearby and more economic Hotel Playa Club. You may register here.
The organizers have arranged a special 15% discount on the public rate at Hotel Caribe by Faranda for congress participants, making it possible for many attendees to stay close to the main activities.
The congress begins with check-in and registration on Friday, October 30th and an opening banquet that same day to break the ice before the competition.
The following 3 days combine the main Championships’ rounds with professional lectures, simultaneous games, Pair Go, the Pandanet team final and several activities for younger players including the youth championship with the closing and awards ceremony taking place on Monday November 2nd.
The final day November 3rd there’s a guided tour to iconic spots within the city, allowing participants to finish their congress by discovering the historical places in Cartagena.
Registration
Early registration is available until August 31, 2026. The full category costs US$ 130 during early registration, increasing to US$150 at the regular rate. This fee includes all the Congress activities plus a buffet lunch in Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand for 3 days and a permanent coffee station.
Members of the Asociación Colombiana de Go receive a reduced rate, while women and Under-18 participants have access to a further discounted category.
Registration includes all go congress activities, a buffet lunch for 3 days and a permanent coffee station.
Accommodation, opening banquet and guided tour are charged separately.
The organizers are also offering assistance with airport transportation for participants arriving in Cartagena, subject to advance coordination and flight information. For more information check the webpage of the Congress.
A Landmark Moment for Latin American Go
The growth of Go in Latin America has been driven largely by passionate local communities, national associations and international cooperation driven by the lead of the Ibero American Go Federation and the support of Pandanet, the Chinese Weiqi Association, the American Go Foundation among others.
For five days, stones will mark territory and battles will be fought for victory. But when the last stone is played, what will remain is something greater: new friendships, shared experiences, and a stronger Go community looking toward the future.
The next great game begins in Cartagena.
8th Latin American Go Congress
30 October–3 November, 2026
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia