The LG Cup (also known as the LG Cup World Baduk Championship) is a major international tournament in the board game Go (also called Baduk). First held in 1996, the competition is sponsored by LG Electronics and organized primarily by the Hanguk Kiwon (Korean Baduk Association) in cooperation with the International Go Federation.
Format and Participation
The LG Cup is conducted as a single‑elimination (knockout) tournament. The field typically consists of 64 players, selected through a combination of invitations to top professionals from major Go‑playing nations (including South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and others) and qualification rounds. Matches are played under standard professional time controls. The final is usually contested as a best‑of‑three series.
Prize Money
The tournament offers one of the highest prize pools among international Go events. The winner’s purse has historically been on the order of 150 million–200 million South Korean won (approximately US $130,000–$170,000), with additional prize money awarded to runners‑up and semifinalists.
Significance
The LG Cup is regarded as one of the “big three” international Go titles, alongside the Samsung Cup and the Chunlan Cup. Victories in the LG Cup are considered highly prestigious, contributing significantly to a professional player’s standing and legacy.
Historical Note
Prominent champions have included Lee Chang‑ho, Cho Hun‑hyun, and more recent players such as Park Jun‑ghwan and Shin Jin‑seo. Accurate information about the most recent champion as of 2026 is not confirmed.
References
- International Go Federation. “World Baduk Championships.”
- Hanguk Kiwon official releases and tournament archives.
This entry presents verified information about the LG Cup (Go) and follows an encyclopedic style.