Professionals in EGC

[Fredrik]

Are regular professionals from China, Japan and Korea allowed to participate in the EGC? Except for the European born/citizenship, I just remember seeing professionals from Taiwan taking part.

[RobertJasiek]

In principle, all(!) players may participate. Non-Europeans cannot become European Champion but can become European Open Champion. Participation requires registration. Strong players must also sign the Tournament Agreement, i.e., play in all rounds for which they register. If they want to play in the supergroup, then they must play all 10 rounds.

http://home.snafu.de/jasiek/EuropeanCha ... Rules.html

Citation: "The tournament is open for all players."

In side tournaments, rules are even more liberal.

In practice, the only real problem is getting a visa. I suggest that professionals contact congress organizers for help like an invitation, which can be shown to an embassy, as early as possible.

[gaius]

Do the CJK professional associations not disallow their pros from playing in amateur tournaments without dispensation? I seem to recall reading somewhere that ie. Guo Juan and Fan Hui had to go through some trouble for this (might be a construct of my memory though).

[RobertJasiek]

I do not know but recall a Chinese 3p (Su?) who wanted to play but was not given a visa for Sweden.

[willemien]

Ok it is a bit taken out of Content, But it was just so funny

Citation: "The tournament is open for all players."

In side tournaments, rules are even more liberal.
...

Even Hooded players may participate

Or be a light
Or make noise
Or develish

But the big question is off course if you may join if you are or