Block play: The 32 players will form 4 blocks of 8 players each generated in accordance with WCF Sports Regulations Appendix 4. All block games will be best-of-3 13-point games. Games will generally be double-banked. Except in emergency conditions, games will be played without time limits.
The top 4 players from each block will qualify for the GCEC Knock-Out Stage. Ties on match wins for qualifying places will be resolved in accordance with WCF Sports Regulations Appendix 6. Non-qualifiers will be eligible for the Plate Event.

Knock-Out:   The Knock-Out Stage will comprise 16 players.  Seeding will be  in accordance with Appendix 7 Section B of the WCF Sports Regulations (as approved on the draw date). The Knock-Out will consist of matches of best-of-three games.

Plate:   This will be played in accordance with WCF Sports Regulations Appendix 8 paragraph 2 and will consist of block play followed by a knock-out stage TBC.

Bowl:  This event is open to all players who lose in the first round of the Knock-Out Stage and will be played in accordance with WCF Sports Regulations Appendix 8 paragraph 4.

Shield:  This event is open to all players who lose in the second round of the Knock-Out Stage and will be played in accordance with WCF Sports Regulations Appendix 8 paragraph 5. 

Entry Method

Players should submit their availability to their Member Governing Body in accordance with their published entry method. Any applicants from non-Member countries should email their availability, by the response date, to Martins Grinhofs, ERC Event Co-ordinator, via email.

Allocation Process

Allocation shall be done according to the WCF Sports Regulations taking into account specific Variations to the WCF Regulations, which are to be used in all ERC events, according to the latest version published on the start date on the forward calendar. 

The Member Place Limit for this event is 5.

Player Information
Successful entrants must complete the requested player information form which will be circulated shortly after the Announcement date.

Invitation Date

13th October 2026

This is the date that Members will be formally invited to send players to participate in this event.

Response Date

13th December 2026

This is the date by which Member nominations for Ranking places must be sent in. Members must also specify the number of Membership Places they wish to take up.

Allocation Date

27th December 2026

The World Ranking List to be used to determine the initial allocation of Ranking Places is that published at the end of the Allocation Date.

Announcement Date

13th January 2027

Announcement of the players who have been awarded Ranking Places.

Closing Date

13th February 2027

This is the last date Members can nominate players for their Membership Places.

Within 1 to 2 days the ERC will announce recipients of Membership Places and Replacement Ranking Places and advise players how to pay.

Player Information & Entry Fee Due Date

20th March 2026

This is the date by which players are asked to provide their contact details, bio's and a headshot photo

Any players awarded a place on the Announcement Date will lose their place if they have not paid by this date.

Tournament Director

Luis Alvarez-Sala

Tournament Manager

Luis de Alarcón (RCP) / Alvaro Cañas (CZG)

ERC Event Lead

TBA

Tournament Referee

TBA