BENEFIT
● ELO-dependent group stage ensures competitive games between players with similar strengths.
● The handicap system in the FINAL STAGE equalizes a chance of the Championship for every player beyond CLASSes.
● Awarding to multiple players in each CLASS
GROUP STAGE
Divided into 5 groups based on their latest ELO ratings. 5 qualification games with Swiss system are played, and Top-3 players in each CLASS are qualified for the Final stage.
CLASS A: ELO 1800 over (over 3 Dan)
CLASS B: ELO 1400-1800 (4 Kyu – 1 kyu)
CLASS C: ELO 600-1399 (14kyu – 5 Kyu)
CLASS D: ELO 0-599 (Beginner-15kyu)
*Tentative ELO will be provided to players who have no ELO, depending on the submitted indicator (ex. Shogi Wars, 81Dojo, etc.).
** ELO range for each CLASS may be changed, depending on the situation of the registeration
[UPDATED: May 4, 2026]
Changed from 5 classes to 4 classes (A–D).
Final tournament bracket has been revised.
*** In case that a specific CLASS has the odd number of players, some games are considered to be managed beyond CLASSes.
FINAL STAGE
The knock-out tournement managed with the following handicap rule. A player from a lower CLASS has right to determine to play with a designated handicap, or play without if preferred.
1 class difference: Lance drop or fixed black
2 class difference: Bishop+Rook down
3 class difference: 6 pieces down
Citation 1: Grade difference and handicap – Japan Shogi Association
Citation 2: Handicap (shogi)
Under 15 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP
UNDER 15 (U15) CLASS CHAMPION is determined among players under 15 years old who have ELO less than 1700 (CLASS B-D). In case a player U15 has ELO over 1700, they shall play as an adult player, regardless of their ages.
Not only awarding as U15 Champion but also the special bonus is granted for a best player among all the U15 players in CLASS B-D!!! The best U15 player is qualified for the FINAL STAGE as a “Wild Card“ and continues to play highly competitive games with adult qualifiers. If the best U15 player becomes a Top-3 player in CLASS B-D as an official qualifier, the Wild Card is granted for a secondary best U15 player.
AWARD
● TOP 3 players in The Final Stage
● TOP 3 players in CLASS S-D
● Winner in UNDER 15 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP