Are WAGC winners getting stronger each year?

[DrStraw]

I don't have a clue what the answer is to this question. I guess it would take someone who has been there to answer it. Anyone got any idea?

[HermanHiddema]

I don't think so. I think the winners of the early editions were probably the strongest. Nie Weiping, Ma Xiaochun, Cao Dayuan, Chang Hao. All became top professionals within a few years of their WAGC victories. This was, of course, because the Chinese pro system was just starting, so many of them were already way beyond amateur level, but hadn't been made pro yet. The first Korean winners of the late 90's on the other hand are now weak professionals with little claim to fame, 10 years down the road.

[Andreas]

In 1986, the second place was taken by Yoo Chanhyuk, who is professional 9d now and was a Korean top player for quite a while.

Actually the quality of the players from the top countries is a lot more constant than from most other countries. Minor go nations only have few strong go players, and these are "real" amateurs, meaning theyve got other things to do than going to Japan or China every year. I only know about Germany and Luxemburg selection, and German players take turns, resulting in second rate players sent sometimes (5d instead of 6d), while Luxemburg has only one strong 6d who doesnt want to go every year. If Im not mistaken, Luxemburg didnt take part this year, the causes probably a combination of scheduling problems among the stronger players and the ticket costs.

[Harleqin]

[...] and German players take turns, resulting in second rate players sent sometimes (5d instead of 6d),[...]

They do not simply take turns; there is a points system, where points get awarded for placing in the national championship. Whoever has most points may go (and reduces his points to 0 again).

[Phelan]

I think a lot of countries use variations of that points system.

[tj86430]

I think a lot of countries use variations of that points system.

Finland does.