Team Kang Sung-seok, Kim Dae-hong, Noh Seung-jin, and Lee Yoon-young ranked 13th in the 2026 World Bridge Series, participated in Seoul, showing the highest record ever
사진 확대 Team Seoul players who advanced to the round of 16 of the World Bridge Series for the first time in the history of the Korean national bridge team. Korea Bridge Association
The Korean national bridge team finished the 2026 World Bridge series in 13th place. Prior to this tournament, South Korea, whose best performance was to advance to the round of 32, displayed its potential to reach the round of 16.
Team Seoul, where Kang Sung-seok, Kim Dae-hong, Noh Seung-jin and Lee Yoon-young worked together, competed in the World Bridge Series, which opened at the MCK International Conference Center in Katowice, Poland, which ended on the 3rd. The World Bridge Series, hosted by the World Bridge Federation (WBF), is one of the most prestigious competitions in bridge. This year marks the 17th anniversary, with 709 players from 52 countries making 137 teams.
Bridge, a mind sport in which two teams compete with 52 cards, is one of the official events of the Asian Games recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Bridge, which is also famous for being enjoyed by Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is gaining huge popularity worldwide.
Team Seoul has made a remarkable performance in this competition, with Korea also accelerating its recent popularization. Team Seoul, which competed in the open team event, defeated Easy Street 144-133 in the round of 32. He led 56-41 in the first session, but later allowed a turnaround. But four players didn’t give up. Team Seoul, which focused until the end, succeeded in turning the tables and won the berth to the round of 16.
Team Seoul, which won in the round of 32, clashed with Milan Bridge for a place in the quarterfinals. Team Seoul, which led until the third session, seemed to be one step closer to the quarterfinals. However, he failed to advance to the quarterfinals by showing regret at the end.
The reason why the advance to the round of 16 at this tournament is more highly evaluated is because it is an achievement made by four players. Since the game was played for nearly eight hours a day, most of them formed six teams. However, Team Seoul succeeded in advancing to the round of 16 with four players united as one.
Kim Hye-young, president of the Korea Bridge Association, said, “Most of the world’s top teams play with six players and give the players a break, but we played all day long.” He explained, “By advancing to the round of 16 at this tournament, our status as a Korean bridge has also improved.”
Chairman Kim, who has been leading the Korea Bridge Association since 2024, is a strong player who participated in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Chairman Kim, who participated in this competition, had a busier schedule than ever as a player and Korean bridge evangelist. Chairman Kim said, “We are doing our best to raise the status of Korean bridge,” and emphasized, “I will continue to run around day and night as a player and chairman.”
사진 확대 Kim Hye-young, president of the Korea Bridge Association, participating in the World Bridge Series. Korea Bridge Association