The PlayGo "Battle of the Sexes" tournament on May 31 featured four of Korea's top
professionals competing in a fast-paced double-elimination event streamed on the western-built Go platform PlayGo.gg.
The field included world #1 Shin Jinseo 9P, Kim Jiseok 9P, Kim Eunji 9P, and Choi Jeong 9P. Players competed with one minute of main time plus a 10-second increment per move, producing seven games over the course of the event.
The final standings were Shin Jinseo in first place, Kim Jiseok second, Choi Jeong third, and Kim Eunji fourth. One of the tournament's highlights came in Game 6, when Kim Jiseok defeated Shin by a half point in a dramatic contest before Shin ultimately secured the overall title. Watch on YouTube.
According to PlayGo co-founder Matthew, the event drew more than 100,000 views across YouTube platforms, with most viewers coming from Korea. Korean commentary was provided by popular streamer Lee Hyunwook 9P.
The tournament was notable as an early example of elite professional competition being hosted and streamed on a western-developed Go platform. Organizers said they hope to continue experimenting with formats designed for online audiences, including faster time controls and other spectator-friendly innovations.
In a post-tournament interview, Shin Jinseo suggested that attracting new audiences may require formats that are more accessible and entertaining for viewers, including faster games and creative tournament structures.